The United States is set to impose sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)'s Netzah Yehuda Battalion, marking the first time Washington has taken such action against an Israeli military unit.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to announce the sanctions in the coming days, targeting the battalion for alleged human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the sanctions will include a ban on the transfer of U.S. military aid to the battalion and restrictions on its members' participation in training activities funded by the United States. These measures are based on a 1997 law authored by former Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy, which prohibits US assistance to foreign security forces implicated in human rights abuses.
The decision to sanction the Netzah Yehuda Battalion follows investigations into incidents predating October 7, with Blinken citing credible evidence of misconduct. While other IDF units and Israeli police faced similar probes, they have reportedly taken corrective action to address concerns, sparing them from sanctions.... Read More: i24