Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has staunchly declared his opposition to any sanctions targeting Israeli military units over alleged rights violations. Reports suggested that Washington was considering sanctions against Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, operating in the West Bank, though the Israeli military denied knowledge of such measures.
The United States recently announced a series of sanctions related to Israeli settlers in the West Bank, signalling escalating tensions with Netanyahu’s policies. In response, Netanyahu asserted in a statement his commitment to challenging any sanctions imposed on IDF (Israel Defense Forces) units.
“If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) – I will fight it with all my strength,” Netanyahu said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Benny Gantz, the Israeli Minister of Defense and former chief of the armed forces issued a statement expressing his request to Anthony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, for a reconsideration of the matter. The focus of Blinken’s discussion with Gantz and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as confirmed by the State Department, revolved around Israeli security concerns, efforts to prevent the Gaza conflict from escalating further, and the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. Notably, there was no mention of sanctions during the discussion.
Gantz emphasized that any form of sanctions would undermine Israel’s legitimacy, particularly during a time of conflict. He argued that such measures are unjustified given Israel’s independent judiciary system and its military’s adherence to international laws.
On Friday, Blinken addressed accusations of Israeli violations of U.S. laws prohibiting military assistance to entities or units implicated in gross human rights violations. Reports indicated that a special State Department panel, known as the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum, recommended to Blinken the disqualification of several Israeli military and police units from receiving U.S. aid based on allegations of human rights abuses.
These incidents occurred in the West Bank before Israel moved against Hamas in Gaza.
Before the Gaza campaign, violence in the West Bank had escalated significantly, fuelled by Israeli raids, settler incursions into Palestinian villages, and street assaults.
Regarding the Netzah Yehuda battalion, the Israeli military clarified that it operates by international law as an active combat unit. Despite reports of potential sanctions against the battalion, the military stated that it is unaware of any such issues and will review any decisions made on the matter.
Notably, in 2022, the battalion’s commander was reprimanded and two officers were dismissed following the death of an elderly Palestinian-American detainee in the West Bank. This incident is not isolated, as soldiers from the battalion have faced accusations or charges of mistreating Palestinian detainees in the past.