Israel condemns US move to impose sanctions on their soldiers

Reports indicate that the Biden administration is planning to impose sanctions on an Israeli battalion, which is considered elite by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The sanctions are in response to alleged human rights violations committed against Palestinians in the West Bank by the battalion’s soldiers. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned the potential sanctions, labeling the action as absurd and morally reprehensible.

He vowed to use all available means to oppose the sanctions and protect the IDF. Other Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, also criticized the US move, with Gvir emphasizing that imposing sanctions on Israeli soldiers is a red line that must not be crossed. He called for the protection of members of the battalion and urged the Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant not to yield to US pressure.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed outrage on social media, characterizing the US plans to sanction the IDF battalion as “complete madness.” He asserted that the move is part of a larger plan to compel Israel to accept the establishment of a Palestinian state and compromise on its security. The Israeli government’s strong stance against the potential sanctions reflects its determination to defend the IDF and rejects any external pressure that could undermine Israel’s security.