US declines sanctions on Israeli battalion despite severe violations

Washington DC. (Quds News Network)- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that the investigation into the Israeli army’s Netzah Yehuda battalion, which was scrutinized for confirmed human rights violations in the occupied West Bank, would be concluded without sanctions, reported Axios. This decision was made due to behind-the-scenes negotiations between Gallant and Blinken and other senior US officials.

The Netzah Yehuda battalion, known for its severe violations in the West Bank, was under investigation after confirmed reports of gross human rights abuses surfaced. Despite substantial evidence of these violations, including the death of 80-year-old Palestinian American Omar Assad in January 2022 and the rape of a child, the Biden administration has chosen not to impose sanctions. The US decision is influenced by recent claims from the Israeli government that the battalion has taken steps to address these issues, including the dismissal of soldiers involved in key incidents and changes to their vetting and training processes. However, recent reports revealed that dismissed soldiers have been promoted to senior positions in the Israeli military.

Activists and international observers express concern that the US decision undermines efforts to hold the Israeli army accountable and may embolden further human rights abuses.