Israeli Leaders Condemn Expected U.S. Sanctions on Ultra-Orthodox Soldiers
In a surprising move, the United States is expected to impose sanctions on the ultra-Orthodox soldiers of the Israeli military, marking the first time such action has been taken against an Israeli military unit. The decision has sparked backlash from Israeli leaders, who have harshly criticized the move, straining relations between the long-standing allies.
The unit expected to be sanctioned is Netzah Yehuda, an infantry battalion established to incorporate ultra-Orthodox men into the military. However, the unit has faced allegations of abuses against Palestinians, prompting a move out of the West Bank in 2022 amid criticism.
The U.S. review of the unit was reportedly launched before the recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza and is not connected to any specific actions in the West Bank or Gaza. Two U.S. officials have suggested that the announcement of sanctions could come as soon as Monday.
Israeli leaders have vowed to oppose the decision, labeling it as unfair and particularly troubling during a time of conflict. Human rights groups have also weighed in, arguing that Israel rarely holds soldiers accountable for the deaths of Palestinians.
A reservist within the Netzah Yehuda unit expressed concern that targeting the battalion could hinder efforts to encourage religious men to enlist in the military. Additionally, an Israeli group revealed that one out of five soldiers convicted of harming Palestinians since 2010 have come from Netzah Yehuda.
Israeli hard-liners have blasted the U.S. decision, calling it a “mistake” and advocating for the sanctions to be canceled. Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid has suggested that the issue lies at the political level, rather than within the military itself.
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