The United States is contemplating imposing sanctions on more Israeli military and police units accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians, in addition to the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, according to two U.S. sources informed on the matter, reported The Times of Israel.
The investigation by the State Department into alleged human rights violations involving Netzah Yehuda and other units within the Israeli security forces has been ongoing for over a year.
The decision by the Biden administration to designate the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, primarily composed of ultra-Orthodox nationalists, for sanctions this week comes after repeated incidents of misconduct against Palestinians, which went unaddressed by Israeli authorities, a U.S. official said.
In a move described as unprecedented, the IDF decided in December 2022 to relocate the infantry unit out of the West Bank to mitigate contact with Palestinians. However, no specific measures were taken to hold individual soldiers accountable for their actions.
The sanctions, if implemented, would restrict Israel from utilizing U.S. military aid to procure weapons for Netzah Yehuda. Nonetheless, Israel could still use its own funds to arm the battalion, according to a second U.S. source familiar with the matter.
Despite potential limitations, the move reflects a broader trend. Like the sanctions imposed on violent settlers, the U.S. source suggested that other Western nations are likely to follow suit in targeting units repeatedly accused by rights groups of unjustly targeting Palestinians.
While much scrutiny focuses on actions in the West Bank, speculation arises that investigations could extend to units operating in Gaza. This possibility comes amid a proliferation of social media videos posted by IDF soldiers during the conflict with Hamas, depicting violations of the IDF's code of conduct.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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