Netanyahu to fight against US-imposed sanctions on Israeli battalion
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going head to head with the United States as he vows to challenge their sanctions on an IOF battalion.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a gathering of Jewish leaders at the Museum of Tolerance in occupied al-Quds, occupied Palestine, February 18, 2024 (AP)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his staunch opposition to any potential sanctions imposed on Israeli military units over rights violations.
Axios reported Saturday, citing sources familiar with the matter, that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is poised to announce sanctions against the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) Netzah Yehuda Battalion for "alleged human rights violations" in the occupied West Bank after they killed an elderly Palestinian-American man.
This would mark the first instance of the United States imposing sanctions on an Israeli military unit, which comes as a surprise, especially since the IOF has been enjoying impunity in Gaza.
In a statement, Netanyahu asserted, "If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the [Israeli forces] - I will fight it with all my strength."
The State Department refrained from providing further comment beyond remarks made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday. Blinken indicated that determinations had been made regarding accusations of Israeli violations of US laws prohibiting military assistance to "individuals or security force units engaged in gross human rights violations."
Earlier reports from Pro Publica, an investigative news organization, revealed that a special State Department panel had recommended to Blinken months ago the disqualification of multiple Israeli military and police units from receiving US aid due to allegations of human rights violations, yet the top US diplomat only acted against one unit.
'Comprehensive investigation'
The decision to sanction the Netzah Yehuda unit follows an alleged 'comprehensive investigation' conducted by a special State Department panel, which recommended disqualifying multiple Israeli military and police units operating in the West Bank from receiving US aid.
Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation forces maintain that the Netzah Yehuda battalion operates within the bounds of international law as an active combat unit.
Responding to reports of potential sanctions, the Israeli occupation forces stated, "Following publications about sanctions against the battalion, the [IOF] is not aware of the issue. If a decision is made on the matter, it will be reviewed. The [IOF] works and will continue to work to investigate any unusual event in a practical manner and according to law."
A US official clarified that the sanctions against the Netzah Yehuda unit stem from incidents predating the October 7 Operation al-Aqsa Flood and were exclusively confined to actions occurring in the West Bank.
While several other IOF and police units were under investigation, they reportedly will not face sanctions after remedial measures were implemented to address their behavior.
The Netzah Yehuda battalion, initially established as a specialized unit for ultra-orthodox soldiers, has garnered attention over the years for its controversial role in the West Bank. The battalion, exclusively composed of men, has been accused of violence against Palestinian civilians, just as the remainder of the Israeli occupation forces.
One notable incident involved the death of 80-year-old Palestinian-American Omar Assad in January 2022. Assad was arrested by Netzah Yehuda soldiers at a checkpoint in his village in the West Bank, where he was abused until his death.
