Israel Criticizes US Action, Calling Sanctions on Its Soldiers a “Red Line

The sanctions, reportedly imposed for alleged human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank by the battalion’s soldiers, have sparked strong opposition. The IDF battalion, considered elite, is said to be blacklisted by the Biden administration. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed outrage, stating that the IDF must not be sanctioned and labeling the move as absurdity and a moral low point.

He vowed to take action against these measures. Other Israeli ministers also condemned the US move, with Itamar Ben Gvir stressing that imposing sanctions on soldiers is a red line and calling for the protection of the Netzah Yehuda members. He urged the Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, not to yield to US pressure.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the proposed sanctions on social media, describing them as madness and part of a broader strategy to coerce Israel into accepting a Palestinian state and sacrificing its security. The response from Israeli officials underscores the strong opposition to the sanctions, with concerns raised about the potential impact on Israel’s security and the perceived intentions behind the US measures.