U.S. Contemplates Sanctions on Haredi Religious IDF Unit, Sparking Sharp Israeli Backlash and not just on the Right
The U.S. is considering imposing sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion, an ultra-Orthodox unit of the Israel Defense Forces, due to alleged human rights violations in the West Bank. This move, part of a broader scrutiny by the U.S. concerning rights abuses, marks a significant tension point between the U.S. and Israel.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have responded strongly against the potential sanctions, describing them as “the height of absurdity.” These statements reflect a broader sentiment within the Israeli government and among its supporters that such measures undermine the country’s ability to manage its security and internal affairs.
Minister Benny Gantz, member of the War Cabinet and head of Israel’s leading Center/Left party: “The Netzach Yehuda Battalion is an integral part of the IDF. It is subject to military law and operates in accordance with international law. The State of Israel has a strong and independent judicial system, which knows how to investigate and examine any violation of the law or deviation from IDF orders, and so we will continue to do. I have great respect for our American friends, but imposing sanctions on the unit is a dangerous precedent, and also sends the wrong message to our common enemies in a time of war. I will do everything in my power to see that this decision does not take effect.”
Beautiful!!!
— Documenting Israel (@DocumentIsrael) March 16, 2024
The IDF combat soldiers of the ultra-Orthodox unit known as Netzach Yehuda, doing the Havdalah prayers after Shabbat ended tonight in Khan Yunis, Gaza pic.twitter.com/NuYCn0zwgO
The US is also reportedly targeting allies of right-wing Israeli political figures Itamar Ben-Gvir and Betzalel Smotrich, although hesitating to target the ministers directly. Ben-Zion Gopstein, a prominent figure in the settler movement, has reportedly been targeted for sanctions.
HOW IDF SOLDIERS PREPARED TO ENTER GAZA
— Dov Lipman (@DovLipman) March 17, 2024
Before entering Gaza to fight Hamas, the Netzach Yehuda unit went to the site of the dance party to pay homage to those who were massacred by Hamas & to remind themselves what they are fighting for.
WATCH as they sing together at the site. pic.twitter.com/W9sTR9PBzn
The scrutiny from the U.S. comes amid increased international attention on the actions of military units in conflict zones, particularly concerning how they align with international human rights standards. Israelis point out the blatant double standard in the application of the sanctions, as the Palestinian Authority security forces have been involved in murderous terror attacks without facing any punitive measures.
This, coming from a failed president! How’s Afghanistan as an example of incompetence? Look in your own backyard, your own party, Tlaib and co. Hypocrite!