Israeli Leaders Condemn Expected U.S. Sanctions on Ultra-Orthodox Soldier Unit
Tensions are rising between long-time allies Israel and the United States as Israeli leaders harshly criticize the expected decision to impose sanctions on the ultra-Orthodox soldier unit, Netzah Yehuda. This move would mark the first time the U.S. has sanctioned a unit within the Israeli military, potentially straining relations between the two nations.
The unit, founded to incorporate ultra-Orthodox men into the military, has faced allegations of abuses against Palestinians in the past. Following these allegations, the unit was relocated from the West Bank to northern Israel. Now, as part of a review of allegations under the Leahy Law, the U.S. is expected to announce the decision on Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to oppose the decision, condemning it as unfair, especially during the ongoing war. He has pledged to fight the sanctions with all his might, with support from Defense Minister Benny Gantz and former military chief of staff.
According to U.S. officials, only one Israeli unit has not remedied violations, leading to the expected announcement of sanctions on Monday. However, a reservist in the unit has described the alleged abuses as an aberration, while a legal advocacy group has highlighted that a significant number of soldiers convicted of harming Palestinians come from this unit.
Retired general Avigdor Kahalani has acknowledged the toll of violence in the West Bank on the unit but argues that punishing the entire unit is a stereotype. Meanwhile, a group of former combat soldiers has criticized the systemic abuses towards Palestinians and the lack of repercussions for wrongdoings.
Israeli hard-liners, including ultranationalist national security minister and opposition leader, have blasted the expected decision. Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak has called the anticipated sanctions a mistake, placing the blame at the political level.
The White House has declined to comment on the issue, instead referring to Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s comments from Friday. The impending decision on sanctions against the Netzah Yehuda unit has sparked a wave of controversy and backlash within Israel and beyond.
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