US may sanction Israeli battalion over violations in West Bank: Axios
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The United States, in a highly unprecedented move, may sanction a battalion of the Israeli occupation forces over rights violations in the occupied West Bank.
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Israeli occupation soldiers are seen in Balata, a Palestinian refugee camp in Nablus, the occupied West Bank, occupied Palestine, November 23, 2023 (AP)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is poised to announce sanctions against the Israel occupation forces (IOF) Netzah Yehuda Battalion for "alleged human rights violations" in the occupied West Bank, Axios reported Saturday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
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.
The forthcoming sanctions are set to prohibit the battalion and its members from receiving any form of US military assistance or training, as outlined by a 1997 law authored by former Senator Patrick Leahy. This law prohibits U.S. foreign aid and Defense Department training programs from benefiting foreign security, military, and police units credibly accused of human rights violations.
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.
During a press conference in Italy, Blinken acknowledged the panel's recommendation and indicated that the administration would make decisions based on the results of the investigation.
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.
In response to mounting criticism and allegations of misconduct, the battalion was relocated from the West Bank to the occupied Golan Heights in January 2023.
IOF displacing Palestinians
While the performative United States sanctioned one battalion, it greatly ignored the many violations committed by the Israeli occupation forces all over the occupied West Bank.
A report published by Human Rights Watch on Wednesday details how the Israeli military has contributed to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians by either backing settler violence or failing to protect Palestinians during episodes of settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
According to the report, settler violence has resulted in the displacement of residents from 20 Palestinian communities, with at least seven being completely uprooted since October 7, 2023.
In addition to the theft of personal properties and livestock, the report details instances of assault, torture, and sexual abuse against Palestinians.
Death threats are also commonly used to coerce Palestinians into leaving their homes, the report notes.
"Settlers and soldiers have displaced entire Palestinian communities, destroying every home, with the apparent backing of higher Israeli authorities," said Bill Van Esveld, associate children’s rights director at Human Rights Watch.
The report also details instances where armed settlers work in collaboration with units of the Israeli army to cut off road access and raid Palestinian communities.
Some residents report experiences of torture and sexual abuse, while others are forced out of their homes at gunpoint or coerced with death threats.
The investigation was conducted with the participation of 27 witnesses and reviewed videos filmed by residents depicting harassment by individuals in Israeli military uniforms carrying M16 assault rifles.
