US Mulls Sanctions on Israeli Unit Over Suspected Human Rights Breaches

Post by : Elena Malik

Photo : AFP

Amidst growing tensions, the United States is on the brink of imposing sanctions on an Israeli military unit over alleged human rights violations in the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently opposed the move, labeling it as "the height of absurdity."

The hints about potential sanctions were dropped by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a press interaction in Italy. He responded to queries about reports suggesting that his department had recommended cuts in military aid to an Israeli unit involved in violent incidents in the West Bank.

These allegations come in the wake of deadly attacks by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7. Blinken, while refraining from divulging specifics, mentioned ongoing investigations under a law prohibiting military aid to foreign security units engaging in human rights violations with impunity. He hinted at forthcoming results, stating, "I've made determinations; you can expect to see them in the days ahead."

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In late 2022, the State Department instructed embassy staff in Israel to probe alleged abuses in the West Bank by the army's ultra-Orthodox Netzach Yehuda battalion. This investigation included a January 2022 incident where a 78-year-old Palestinian American died of a heart attack after being detained.

Netanyahu strongly condemned any suggestion of sanctions against Israeli forces. He asserted his efforts to dissuade such actions in conversations with senior US officials, labeling the potential sanctions as absurd and morally wrong. He pledged to counteract any moves against Israeli citizens.

Echoing Netanyahu's sentiments, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant defended the battalion, emphasizing their frontline operations against Hezbollah and terrorism in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. He urged Washington to retract its intention to sanction the battalion, highlighting their adherence to international law and military values.

According to Axios, Blinken is expected to announce sanctions against the battalion "within days," which would prohibit them from receiving any US military aid or training. A previous report from ProPublica revealed recommendations by a State Department panel to disqualify several military and police units in the West Bank from receiving US aid.

Meanwhile, the US House of Representatives recently approved a bill to provide $26 billion in new emergency aid to Israel, amidst the escalating tensions in the region.

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