USA: The carrot and the whip in Israel

The package of four laws approved by the US House of Representatives on Saturday also includes granting US military aid to Israel.

This aid package states: $26.4 billion in aid to Israel$4 billion for the “Iron Dome” and “David’s Sling” missile defense systems, $1.2 billion for the “Iron Beam” defense system, $4.4 billion to renew defense components and services provided to Israel, and $3.5 billion to purchase advanced weapons systems.

But at the same time, the United States is ready to impose sanctions on an Israeli army unit accused of this Violations in the West Bank

According to Israeli media, officials at the US State Department confirmed that they were preparing to impose sanctions on the battalion. Netzah Yehudawhich was charged seriously Human rights violations Against the Palestinians.

According to The Guardian, this momentous step (if implemented, would be the first time the US government has targeted an IDF unit) would lead to sanctions. Under the Leahy Act of 1997which would prohibit the transfer of U.S. military aid to that unit and prevent soldiers and officers from participating in training, either with the U.S. military or in programs that receive U.S. funding.

News of possible sanctions against the Netzah Yehuda order comes after a statement by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who commented on allegations that Israel violated the Leahy Law. It should be noted that since the law was issued, US aid has been blocked to hundreds of units around the world accused of committing human rights violations.

What is “Netzah Yehuda”?

Battalion Netzah YehudaThe Kfir Brigade, part of the Kfir Brigade, was created in 1999. The purpose of the unit was to allow “ultra-Orthodox Jews” to serve as combat soldiers in the Israeli army, creating a favorable climate for their religious beliefs. It originally contained only 30 soldiers. In 2009, the battalion increased its strength by more than 1,000 soldiers and is now considered a fully operational battalion. The training is the same as that of the IDF infantry: five months of basic training and an additional six months of advanced training.

As of October 7, 2023, following the Hamas-led attack, soldiers of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion participated in the ensuing Gaza War.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs investigated a number of Israeli security forces, including the police and army, regarding violations. The battalion has been at the center of several accusations in the past related to right-wing extremism and violence against Palestinians. In fact, soldiers from this unit were charged in the 2022 death of a 78-year-old American citizen, Omar Asad, who died of a heart attack after being detained, gagged and abandoned. He was One of many serious accidents Which included allegations of torture and ill-treatment. The case prompted the State Department to order a criminal investigation.

Strong reactions from Israel

The report that an Israeli army battalion faces imminent sanctions has sparked a strong reaction from the country's top officials, including the prime minister. Benjamin Netanyahu.

“Sanctions should not be imposed on the IDF” He wrote to X. “Over the past few weeks I have worked against imposing sanctions on Israeli citizens. At a time when our soldiers are fighting terrorist monsters, the intention to impose sanctions on an IDF unit is the height of absurdity.” He added, pledging to resist the aforementioned decision.

“The Netza Yehuda Battalion is an integral part of the IDF” A senior official in the Military Cabinet and former Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army added. “It is subject to military law and is responsible for operating in full compliance with international law. The State of Israel has, and will continue to do so, a strong and independent judicial system that carefully evaluates any allegation of violation or deviation from IDF orders and the Code of Conduct.

The “carrot and the whip” in Israel

The alleged American plan came amid escalating international sanctions against Israelis involved in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.

Last Friday, the United States and the European Union separately announced new sanctions against far-right Israeli groups, NGOs and individuals, including Benji Gopstein, who was a close political ally of Israel's far-right national security minister.

The United States' complex stance toward Israel appears to show that while its allies will support what Tel Aviv considers a “legitimate defense,” they are also determined to punish any escalation of extremist violence in the West Bank.