Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to resist any sanctions imposed on Israeli military units amid reports that Washington is considering such measures.
The potential sanctions, targeting Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which operates in the occupied West Bank, have raised tensions between the two allies.
On Saturday, reports surfaced suggesting that the United States was planning to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion, drawing concern from Israeli officials.
However, the Israeli military stated that it was not informed of any such measures.
The move comes after the United States announced sanctions related to Israeli settlers in the West Bank, signaling growing frustration with Netanyahu’s government, which relies on support from settler parties.
Netanyahu condemned the possibility of sanctions, stating, “If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) – I will fight it with all my strength.”
Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, a former armed forces chief, has also expressed opposition to the sanctions. He stated that such actions would harm Israel’s legitimacy during a time of conflict and emphasised Israel’s adherence to international law.
In response to the escalating tensions, Gantz engaged in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging reconsideration of the sanctions.
However, the U.S. State Department’s statements on the matter did not mention the imposition of sanctions.
Blinken recently announced determinations regarding allegations of human rights violations by Israeli military units. These allegations, which surfaced before the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, have prompted scrutiny from U.S. authorities.
The incidents under review occurred primarily in the West Bank, where violence has intensified in recent years amid ongoing disputes over land and sovereignty. The Israeli military maintains that the Netzah Yehuda battalion operates in accordance with international law.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding potential sanctions, the Israeli military has affirmed its commitment to investigating any allegations of misconduct thoroughly.
Chioma Kalu
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