Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his opposition to potential sanctions against Israeli military units accused of rights violations, following reports suggesting that such measures could be imposed by the United States.

Reports from Axios indicated Washington’s consideration of imposing sanctions specifically on Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which has been active in the occupied West Bank. However, the Israeli military stated that it was not aware of any such impending actions.

The development comes as the United States announced sanctions related to Israeli settlers in the West Bank, highlighting growing frustration with Netanyahu’s policies, particularly given his government’s reliance on settler parties.

Additionally, Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz, a former armed forces chief, echoed Netanyahu’s sentiments, emphasizing that such sanctions would be detrimental to Israel’s legitimacy, particularly during times of conflict.

Gantz highlighted Israel’s independent justice system and its military’s adherence to international law as reasons why such sanctions would be unjustified.

In response to inquiries, the State Department refrained from commenting further, referring to remarks made earlier by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Blinken had previously stated that determinations were made regarding accusations of Israeli violations of U.S. laws prohibiting military assistance to individuals or units committing gross human rights violations.

This decision follows a report by the Pro Publica investigative news organization, which revealed that the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum had recommended to Blinken several months ago to disqualify multiple Israeli military and police units from receiving U.S. aid due to allegations of human rights violations.

The incidents under scrutiny primarily occurred in the West Bank, mostly predating Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza, which commenced on October 7th.

Violence had been escalating in the West Bank prior to the Gaza conflict, exacerbated by frequent Israeli raids, Palestinian street attacks, and settler-related incidents in Palestinian villages.

The Israeli military defended the Netzah Yehuda battalion, describing it as an active combat unit operating within the bounds of international law.

Addressing the reports of potential sanctions against the battalion, the Israeli military asserted its lack of awareness regarding the issue, affirming that any decision made would be duly reviewed.

The military emphasized its commitment to investigating any allegations in a manner consistent with the law. However, previous incidents have raised concerns, such as the reprimand of Netzah Yehuda’s battalion commander and dismissal of two officers in 2022 following the death of an elderly Palestinian-American who had been detained by the unit in the West Bank.

Several other incidents, some captured on video, have also seen allegations or charges of abuse against Palestinian detainees involving Netzah Yehuda soldiers.

The situation underscores the complex dynamics surrounding allegations of rights violations in conflict zones and the diplomatic repercussions they entail.

The responses from both Israeli and U.S. officials reflect the delicate balance between addressing human rights concerns and maintaining strategic partnerships.

As the issue unfolds, further dialogue and examination of evidence are likely to shape future actions and decisions regarding potential sanctions and accountability measures.

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