US to Sanction Israeli Military Unit for the First Time

The US administration has decided to impose sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) special battalion Netzah Yehuda for human rights violations in the West Bank. This is the first instance of the US imposing sanctions on an Israeli military unit. The Netzah Yehuda battalion was allegedly involved in gross human rights violations against Palestinians in the territories.

Who is the Netzah Yehuda Battalion?

Founded in 1997, Netzah Yehuda, or “Judea Forever”, is composed of ultra-Orthodox Jewish soldiers. The unit, which was created to integrate this community, which does not usually do military service in Israel, draws attention with its soldiers with particularly harsh ideologies. According to Israeli media, the ideological obsessions of some soldiers in the unit have led to various problems.

Allegations and Sanctions

The human rights violations committed by Netzah Yehuda in the West Bank have prompted the Biden administration to take action. According to information received from the US, the sanctions will strictly prohibit the battalion and its members from receiving any military aid or training through the US. These sanctions are based on the Leahy Act, authored by Senator Patrick Leahy in 1997, which would cut off US foreign aid when foreign security forces are found to have committed human rights abuses.

Attacks on Gaza Continue

On the other hand, Israeli attacks on Rafah city in the south of Gaza continue. Eighteen people, including 14 children, were killed in the bombardments that continued throughout the night. Gaza’s dense population is at great risk from Israel’s almost daily airstrikes. Kuwaiti hospital said that a man, his pregnant wife and their 3-year-old child were killed in the first attack, while doctors saved the unborn baby.

International Reactions

Following the US decision, there have been various reactions from the international community. The Israeli government has yet to make an official statement. The impact of the sanctions on long-term peace efforts in the region remains unclear.

These developments mark the beginning of a new era both in the Middle East and in the international arena. The US human rights-based foreign policy approach is expected to have decisive consequences on regional policies.