President Joe Biden is reportedly preparing to sanction a Jewish Orthodox unit in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as he continues to face pressure from anti-Semitic Democrats who disapprove of Israel’s war against Hamas terrorists who murdered 1,200 people on October 7.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to announce the sanctions in the coming days against the “Netzah Yehuda” battalion for what the administration claims is “human rights violations” in Judea and Samaria where the IDF has conducted countless counterterrorism operations since October 7.
This would mark the first time that the U.S. has ever imposed any kind of sanctions against an Israeli military unit, Axios reported, noting that the unit would be banned from receiving any U.S. military assistance or training.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared he would fight the sanctions.
“I will strongly defend the IDF, our army and our fighters,” he said. “If somebody thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit in the IDF – I will fight this with all my powers.”
Retired IDF General and top Israeli politician Benny Gantz responded to the news by noting that the Netzah Yehuda battalion was “an inseparable part” of the IDF.
The unit was established specifically so those who are Jewish Orthodox and practice a strict observance of their faith are able to serve in the military.
“It is subject to military law and is responsible for operating in full compliance with International law,” Gantz said of the unit. “The State of Israel has a strong, independent judicial system that evaluates meticulously any claim of a violation or deviation from IDF orders and code of conduct, and will continue to do so.”
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“I have great appreciation for our American friends, but the decision to impose sanctions on an IDF unit and its soldiers sets a dangerous precedent and conveys the wrong message to our shared enemies during war time,” he added. “I intend on acting to have this decision changed.”
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said: “I urge the U.S. administration to avoid applying sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda IDF Battalion. It’s morally wrong and practically damaging. This is a combat unit fighting against terrorists who are trying to murder Israelis. The IDF has a robust system that handles any wrongful actions that may arise. We can and will handle this as we always do.”
