Israel Reacts Strongly to US Sanctions Review: "We Will Fight Anyone"

US Warns Sanctions on Israeli Far-Right Units
Measures to Prevent Escalation Amid Gaza and Iran Offensives
Possible Suspension of Military and Financial Support to Israel

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel. [Image source=EPA·Yonhap News]

In response to news that the United States is considering sanctions against an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit for the first time in history, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed the move and warned that he would fight against any forces attempting to impose sanctions. If sanctions are actually implemented, there is a possibility that the U.S. government could cut military and financial support to Israel, which is expected to have significant repercussions on the Middle East conflict.

Netanyahu Condemns U.S. Sanctions as Unfair Treatment

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

According to the Times of Israel on the 21st (local time), Prime Minister Netanyahu said in a Passover commemorative speech, "If anyone thinks they can sanction Israeli military units, we will fight with all our might," adding, "U.S. sanctions are unfair treatment, and I strongly oppose doing so especially at a time when Israel is at war."

Netanyahu’s dissatisfaction stems from foreign media reports that the U.S. government will impose sanctions on certain IDF units for the first time. Earlier, the American media outlet Axios reported, citing U.S. government sources, that "U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to announce sanctions against the IDF's 'Netzah Yehuda' battalion within days."

The U.S. government has declined to confirm the report, but as news spread that not only the U.S. but also the European Union (EU) might join in the sanctions, the Israeli government has strongly opposed the move.

The IDF also issued a statement following the report, saying, "Soldiers of the Netzah Yehuda battalion are currently engaged in combat operations in the Gaza Strip," and "This unit fights bravely and professionally in accordance with IDF ethical regulations and complies with international law. If sanctions are imposed, the consequences will need to be reconsidered."

Notorious Far-Right Unit 'Netzah Yehuda' Sanctioned... Will It Deter Israel’s Escalation?

Soldiers of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion praying according to Jewish law during training. [Image source=Israel Defense Forces (IDF)]

The Netzah Yehuda battalion, embroiled in controversy due to the U.S. government's consideration of sanctions, is known within Israel as a uniquely composed unit. Established in 1999, this battalion consists of volunteers from the Haredi sect, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish group. While Haredi men are generally exempt from military service, some volunteer to serve in the military to protect their nation and religion. The unit is estimated to have about 1,000 members.

Since its inception, the unit has faced criticism for human rights abuses against Palestinian residents in the occupied West Bank. In January 2022, an incident sparked international controversy when Omar Asad, an 80-year-old Palestinian-American, died after being detained by the Netzah Yehuda battalion. Due to worsening international opinion, the battalion relocated its base to the Golan Heights in northern Israel in January of last year.

If the U.S. government officially announces sanctions against the unit, it is expected to deal a significant blow to the Israeli military. The U.S. has the Leahy Law, which prohibits military assistance to foreign military units or countries accused of human rights violations. The New York Times (NYT) noted, "While military aid under the Ukraine-Israel Support Act previously passed by Congress will not be restricted, subsequent U.S. military and training support could be cut off," adding, "The U.S. government hopes that sanctions on the Israeli military will act as a balancing force to prevent escalation and curb excessive actions by the IDF."