The United States Considers Sanctions on Israeli Battalions Accused of Human Rights Violations
Amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, the United States is reportedly considering imposing sanctions on one or more Israeli battalions accused of human rights violations during operations in the occupied West Bank. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have vehemently opposed the possibility of such sanctions, calling it “the peak of absurdity and a moral low.”
The news of potential sanctions, first reported by Axios, comes just a day after the House approved $26 billion in aid for Israel and humanitarian assistance for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza. The sanctions, if imposed, would not affect the military aid recently approved by Congress.
The potential sanctions would be imposed under the 1997 Leahy Law, which prohibits foreign military units accused of human rights violations from receiving U.S. aid or training. While the practical impact of such sanctions remains unclear, the move would undoubtedly strain relations between the U.S. and Israel, traditionally close allies.
One of the battalions under scrutiny is Netzah Yehuda, which has faced accusations of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. In a particularly egregious incident, members of the battalion were involved in the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian-American man during a night raid in January 2022.
Critics have long accused the Israeli military of whitewashing wrongdoing and acting with impunity. The Biden administration has previously expressed concerns over rising settler violence in the West Bank and has imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations linked to such activities.
The possibility of sanctions on Israeli military units has sparked fierce reactions from Israeli officials, with Defense Minister Benny Gantz warning that it would set a “dangerous precedent.” The move comes at a time of strained relations between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, with the U.S. providing support to Israel in repelling attacks while also criticizing civilian deaths in Gaza.
Former officials and experts have noted that imposing sanctions on a close ally like Israel would be unprecedented and could send a strong message. The decision to impose sanctions, if taken, is seen as a way to hold Israel accountable for its actions and improve transparency and accountability within the military.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community will be closely watching how the U.S. proceeds with its deliberations on imposing sanctions on Israeli battalions accused of human rights violations.
