Israeli leaders have expressed strong criticism over an anticipated decision by the United States to impose sanctions on a unit of ultra-Orthodox soldiers within the Israeli military. This move, expected to be announced as early as Monday, would mark the first instance of the U.S. imposing sanctions on an Israeli military unit, further straining relations between the two allies amid Israel's conflict in Gaza.
The unit in question, identified as Netzah Yehuda, was established around 25 years ago to integrate ultra-Orthodox men into the military, as many religious individuals are typically exempt from compulsory service. The battalion has been historically based in the West Bank and has faced scrutiny for alleged abuses against Palestinians.
In 2022, the unit faced criticism following the death of an elderly Palestinian-American man, Omar Assad, who died shortly after being detained at a West Bank checkpoint. While the Israeli military acknowledged a 'moral failure' in the incident, it did not pursue criminal charges against the soldiers involved.
Amid the controversy, Netzah Yehuda was relocated from the West Bank to northern Israel and later reassigned to the southern border with Gaza following recent hostilities. The unit is currently engaged in operations in Gaza, according to the Israeli army.
The U.S. review, conducted under the Leahy Law, found that most Israeli military units investigated had taken corrective actions except for one. The law prohibits U.S. aid to foreign military units implicated in human rights violations.
While some Israeli officials have criticized the anticipated sanctions, others have acknowledged systemic issues within the military regarding treatment of Palestinians. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid called the sanctions a mistake and emphasized the need for political solutions to address underlying problems.
Overall, the expected U.S. decision to sanction the Netzah Yehuda unit has sparked debate and raised concerns about accountability and human rights within the Israeli military.
