The United States is considering imposing sanctions on one or more Israeli battalions accused of human rights violations during operations in the occupied West Bank, according to a person familiar with the deliberations.
Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have strongly condemned the possibility of sanctions, calling it “the peak of absurdity and a moral low” at a time when Israeli forces are engaged in a war in Gaza against Hamas. Netanyahu vowed to take action against any such move by the Biden administration.
The news of potential sanctions comes just after the House approved $26 billion for Israel and humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza. The sanctions, if imposed, would not affect the military aid recently approved by Congress.
The possible 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 is unclear, it would undoubtedly strain relations between the U.S. and Israel.
One of the battalions under scrutiny is Netzah Yehuda, which has been accused of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank. The battalion, established for ultra-Orthodox Jewish men, has faced criticism for its actions in the past, including the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian-American man during a night raid in January 2022.
Human rights organizations have long accused the Israeli military of acting with impunity and whitewashing wrongdoing. The Biden administration has been vocal about rising levels of settler violence in the West Bank and has imposed sanctions on individuals and organizations involved in such activities.
The possibility of sanctions against Israeli military units has sparked strong reactions from Israeli officials, with some calling it a dangerous precedent. The move comes amidst a complex relationship between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu, characterized by swings and contradictions.
As the Biden administration faces criticism over its support for Israel’s actions in Gaza, the imposition of sanctions could be seen as a way to hold Israel accountable. Former officials have noted that placing sanctions on a close ally like Israel would be unusual and could send a strong message.
Overall, the potential sanctions against Israeli battalions accused of human rights violations highlight the complexities of the U.S.-Israel relationship and the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict in the Middle East.
