The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, and other top officials are upset about the United States considering sanctions against a unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They say it sets a dangerous example and sends the wrong message.
This move comes in response to allegations of human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Reports suggest that the US government, under President Joe Biden, is preparing to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion, a part of the IDF. This would be the first time the US has taken such action against an Israeli military unit.
אסור להטיל סנקציות על צבא ההגנה לישראל!
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אני פועל בשבועות האחרונים נגד הטלת סנקציות על אזרחים ישראלים, כולל בשיחות שלי עם בכירי הממשל האמריקני.בשעה שחיילינו נלחמים במפלצות הטרור, הכוונה להטיל סנקציה על יחידה בצה״ל זה שיא האבסורד ושפל ערכי.
הממשלה בראשותי תפעל בכל האמצעים…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) April 20, 2024
The controversy stems from incidents involving the Netzah Yehuda battalion, including the death of Omar As’ad, a Palestinian-American, in 2022. As’ad died after being detained and left in harsh conditions by soldiers from this battalion. The unit is currently deployed in the Gaza Strip as part of the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Benjamin Netanyahu, along with other Israeli officials, has strongly condemned the potential sanctions. Netanyahu called it absurd and morally wrong to sanction an IDF unit while they fight against what he described as “terrorist monsters”.
Other ministers, including Benny Gantz, emphasized the importance of the IDF’s role and expressed concern about the precedent such sanctions could set.
The proposed sanctions would restrict the transfer of US weapons to the Netzah Yehuda battalion and limit their participation in activities funded by the US. These measures are based on the Leahy Laws, which aim to prevent military assistance to units involved in human rights violations.
Israeli leaders had previously expressed gratitude to the US for passing a military aid package for Israel. However, the potential sanctions have sparked outrage and shock in Israel, with officials warning of the consequences for Israel’s security and sovereignty.
The decision to sanction the Netzah Yehuda battalion reportedly came after an examination of incidents in the West Bank. Israeli officials argue that their courts are capable of addressing any allegations of wrongdoing within the military.
While the US and Israel are close allies, disagreements over issues like human rights can strain their relationship. The potential sanctions on the IDF unit highlight the complexities of maintaining strong ties between the two nations while addressing human rights concerns.
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