Israeli Prime Minister Condemns US Proposal to Sanction IDF Battalion

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed strong opposition to the decision made by the US government to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda battalion of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

These sanctions are reportedly in response to alleged human rights violations committed by members of this IDF battalion against Palestinians in the West Bank.

There are indications that the Biden administration intends to designate this battalion, which is highly regarded within the IDF, as a blacklisted entity.

Netanyahu, as reported by the media, issued a statement late on Saturday night, stating, "The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) should not face sanctions."

He went on to emphasize, "Our soldiers are combating terrorist threats, and the prospect of sanctioning an IDF unit is utterly absurd and morally reprehensible."

Furthermore, he asserted, "The government of Israel under my leadership will employ all available measures to counteract these actions."

Far-right ministers within the Israeli government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, also voiced their condemnation of the reported US decision to blacklist the IDF battalion.

Ben Gvir stated, "Imposing sanctions on our soldiers crosses a red line."

He described the reported US action as extremely grave, emphasizing, "The members of the Netzah Yehuda battalion must be safeguarded."

Additionally, he urged Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, known for his hawkish stance, not to yield to US pressure.

Finance Minister Smotrich took to social media to express his vehement opposition to the US plans to sanction Netzah Yehuda, declaring, "This move to sanction an IDF battalion while Israel is fighting for its survival is sheer madness."

He asserted, "This is part of a deliberate effort to coerce Israel into accepting the establishment of a Palestinian state and compromising Israel's security.