Israel Defense Minister Calls on US Not to Sanction IDF Battalion

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has asked the US not to proceed with proposals to sanction the IDF’s Netzach Yehuda (Judea Forever) battalion for alleged human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria).

An exclusively male battalion made up of ultra-Orthodox and religious nationalist soldiers, Netzach Yehuda has been accused of violations against Palestinians in the West Bank before – particularly in the case of 78-year-old Palestinian-American Omar As’ad who died while being detained by the battalion in 2022.

Referencing reports that the US is preparing to sanction the battalion, Gallant said on Sunday: “I call on the US administration to withdraw its intention to impose sanctions on the Netzach Yehuda battalion.”

“Damage to one battalion affects the entire defense establishment—this is not the right path for partners and friends,” Gallant added. “Our friends and our enemies are closely watching the ties between Israel and the United States, now more than ever.”

Gallant went on to discuss Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. In a readout of the conversation delivered on Sunday night, the US State Department said: “[Gallant and Blinken] discussed efforts to protect Israel’s security and negotiations to secure the release of hostages, enable an immediate ceasefire, and increase the flow of life-saving humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The secretary also underscored the importance of measures to de-escalate tensions in the region.”

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