Axios report: first-ever US sanctions target IDF unit

Axios reports that in the coming days, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to announce sanctions against the IDF Netzah Yehuda battalion.

The reason cited for these sanctions is alleged human rights violations during their service in Judea and Samaria.

According to the article by Barak Ravid, this would mark the first instance of such sanctions in the history of relations between the two countries. Specifically, the sanctions would entail the battalion and its soldiers being barred from participating in combat training programs conducted with US involvement.

The basis for these actions is the Leahy Law, passed in 1997. Sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy, this legislation aims to withhold US military aid from military, police, and intelligence agencies implicated in human rights abuses.

The Netzah Yehuda battalion comprises members from the ultra-Orthodox sector. Ravid highlights that among its ranks are many "hill youth," who are radical settlers.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced opposition to imposing sanctions on an Israeli army unit. "To do so while the IDF is battling Hamas is the height of absurdity and a moral failure. The government will spare no effort to prevent this," he stated.