Israeli leaders criticize expected US sanctions on military units

Israeli leaders have sharply criticized an expected US decision to impose sanctions on a unit of ultra-Orthodox soldiers in the Israeli army.

The decision, expected as early as Monday, would mark the first time the US has ever imposed sanctions on a unit within the Israeli military and further strain relations between the two allies, which have been increasingly tense during Israel’s war in Gaza become.

While U.S. officials declined to identify the sanctioned unit, Israeli leaders and local media identified it as Netzah Yehuda — an infantry battalion created about a quarter-century ago to incorporate ultra-Orthodox men into the army.

Many religious men are given exemptions from what would be a mandatory service.

Israeli leaders condemned the decision as unfair, especially at a time when Israel is at war, and vowed to oppose it.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: “If anyone thinks he can impose sanctions on any unit in the IDF, I will fight against it with all my might.”

Netzah Yehuda, or Judea Forever, has historically been based in the occupied West Bank and some of its members have been linked to abuses against Palestinians.

It constitutes only a small part of Israel’s military presence in the area.

In a statement on Sunday, the army said its Netzah Yehuda soldiers are “currently participating in the war effort in the Gaza Strip.”

“The battalion conducts operations professionally and courageously in accordance with the IDF Code of Ethics and with full commitment to international law,” the report said.

It said if the unit is sanctioned, “its consequences will be assessed.”

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday that he had made a decision on the review of allegations that several Israeli military units had violated the conditions for receiving US aid laid out in the so-called Leahy Act, and that they would soon be made public to be made.

Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s War Cabinet, said in a statement that he spoke to Mr. Blinken on Sunday evening and told him that the decision is a “mistake” because it would damage Israel’s international legitimacy in wartime and because Israel’s legal system “is strong and powerful”. independent”.

The officials said that about five Israeli units were under investigation and that all but one had taken action to correct the violations.

The Leahy Act, named after former Senator Patrick Leahy, bans US aid from going to foreign military units that have committed human rights abuses.

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