Israeli officials are expressing outrage over reports that the United States intends to impose sanctions on an Israeli military unit for human rights violations, a move that has never been taken by the State Department before.
The news of potential sanctions comes amid heightened violence in the West Bank. Recent events include the murder of an Israeli teenager in a terror attack, resulting in deadly riots by settlers. Additionally, a recent Israeli military operation led to the deaths of 14 Palestinians and injuries to 10 Israeli soldiers.
According to a report by Axios, Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to announce sanctions on the Netzach Yehuda battalion, which was established to integrate haredi Orthodox soldiers into the military. Soldiers in this unit have been arrested and jailed for various abuses against Palestinians, including torture and assault.
The unit has faced criticism within Israel, with calls for its disbandment due to its history of abuses. In response, it was relocated from the West Bank to the Golan Heights. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly condemned the reported sanctions, vowing to defend the IDF and its soldiers against such actions.
The proposed sanctions have sparked controversy in both Israel and the United States, with politicians from various parties expressing opposition. The Biden administration has previously imposed sanctions on West Bank settlers involved in violence, as well as those who support them, due to frustration with the Israeli government’s handling of settler violence.
The situation in the West Bank remains tense, with ongoing IDF counterterror operations and a recent military raid on a Palestinian refugee camp resulting in casualties on both sides. The region has seen a spike in violence since the Israel-Hamas war in October, leading to numerous casualties among Palestinians and Israelis.
The past week has been marked by escalating violence, including the discovery of a murdered Israeli teenager, ensuing riots by settlers, and continued clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians. The situation remains volatile, with concerns about further unrest in the region.
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