Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to vehemently oppose any sanctions imposed on the country’s military.
The Prime Minster made this known on Sunday following reports of the US intending to reduce aid to a specific unit, stating that he will vigorously combat it.
The US intended to target Israel’s Netzah Yehuda battalion over alleged human rights violations in the occupied West Bank, Axios new site earlier reported.
According to BBC sources, such action would fall under a US prohibition on aid to foreign units with credible involvement in violations.
Last week, when questioned about reports regarding potential cuts in US military aid to IDF units due to allegations of human rights abuses in the occupied West Bank, Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked, “I have made determinations; you can expect to see them in the days ahead.”
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Israel’s primary ally, Washington, has never previously suspended aid to an IDF unit. The Israeli military asserted that the Netzah Yehuda battalion operates in compliance with international law.
In response to reports of sanctions against the battalion, the IDF stated: “Following publications about sanctions against the battalion, the IDF is not aware of the issue.”
It emphasized its commitment to investigating any irregularities methodically and in accordance with the law.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant urged the US to retract its intention to sanction Netzah Yehuda, noting heightened scrutiny of US-Israel relations.
He cautioned that criticizing an entire unit could tarnish the actions of the IDF and emphasized the importance of maintaining a cooperative relationship between partners and friends.