Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after a report surfaced claiming that the Biden administration is set to blacklist a unit for alleged human rights violations in Gaza.
Top U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have been increasingly critical of Israel’s military offensive in the besieged territory, where the mounting civilian death toll has sparked protests around the world.
When asked at a news conference in Italy on Friday about reports that the State Department has recommended the blacklisting of certain Israeli units from receiving U.S military aid over possible human rights abuses in the West Bank, Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not outright confirm the reports but said results are expected “very soon.”
Adding to the friction between the U.S. and longtime ally Israel, an Axios report published on Saturday stated that within days Blinken is expected to announce sanctions against the IDF’s “Netzah Yehuda” battalion for alleged human rights abuses.
the Biden administration is set to blacklist a unit for alleged human rights violations in Gaza.
Oh for fuck’s sake…
Tokenism at its finest. Like when he banned 3 settlers from using US financial institutions.
Honestly, tokenism is a good place to start.
Realistically, there is no political majority in the USA to go further. The progressive caucus is only about 10% of the House.
That’s enough to have influence, but not enough to drive policy.
But over time, the movement grows.
At this point, the majority of Americans are against what Israel is doing.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/642695/majority-disapprove-israeli-action-gaza.aspx
No it’s not.
Because much like the pathetic settlers ban, you’ll get people arguing Biden is doing something about it because he banned the settlers. It takes pressure off of the administration while doing nothing to help the victims.
It’s effectively whitewashing the issue of the US not taking meaningful action on how it aids Israel.
It’s harmful, not helpful.
So, what’s the alternative?
The House just passed an aid package for Israel worth billions by an 86% majority.
Meaningful sanctions just aren’t in the cards.
I wonder how long until he reverses this one like the settler sanctions
How common/uncommon is this? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a unit being sanctioned rather than the government that gives them orders. Seems like a bullshit slap on the wrist.
Seems especially hypocritical on the day $26B of aid for Israel is passed in Congress.
According to ProPublica, it’s commonly done using Leahy Laws:
The recommendations came from a special committee of State Department officials known as the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum. The panel, made up of Middle East and human rights experts, is named for former Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., the chief author of 1997 laws that requires the U.S. to cut off assistance to any foreign military or law enforcement units — from battalions of soldiers to police stations — that are credibly accused of flagrant human rights violations.
…
Over the years, hundreds of foreign units, including from Mexico, Colombia and Cambodia, have been blocked from receiving any new aid. Officials say enforcing the Leahy Laws can be a strong deterrent against human rights abuses.
https://www.propublica.org/article/israel-gaza-blinken-leahy-sanctions-human-rights-violations
Interesting. Thanks for that.
Need to crosspost this in “Not the Onion.”
Blacklist a unit? 😂 Is that unit another country or something? Does our government really believe people are That stupid?
This is the best summary I could come up with:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after a report surfaced claiming that the Biden administration is set to blacklist a unit for alleged human rights violations in Gaza.
Top U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have been increasingly critical of Israel’s military offensive in the besieged terrority, where the mounting civilian death toll has sparked protests around the world.
Adding to the friction between the U.S. and longtime ally Israel, an Axios report published on Saturday stated that within days Blinken is expected to announce sanctions against the IDF’s “Netzah Yehuda” battalion for alleged human rights abuses.
“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,” Gantz said in the social media post.
"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 wartime.
The war was sparked by a raid on October 7, 2023, into southern Israel carried out by Hamas and other militant groups that left roughly 1,200 people dead and about 250 hostages taken into Gaza.
The original article contains 621 words, the summary contains 218 words. Saved 65%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
