Possible US sanctions on an Israeli Army battalion anger Netanyahu's government: "It's absurd"

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotritch, have all strongly criticized the potential sanctions proposed by the United States against the ultra-Orthodox battalion of the Israel Defense Forces. The possibility of these sanctions was first reported by the American news portal Axios, leading to an outcry from Israeli officials.

These sanctions, if implemented, would involve withholding military aid and training from the Netzah Yehuda battalion, marking the first application of a law established in 1997 by former Senator Patrick Leahy. This recommendation comes after a group of experts from the State Department highlighted instances of human rights abuses committed by Israeli security forces in the West Bank.

However, the Israeli government has voiced opposition to these proposed sanctions, arguing that the Israeli Army should not be subjected to such measures. Prime Minister Netanyahu took to social media to denounce the decision as “absurd,” while Minister Itamar Ben Gvir referred to it as a “red line” and called for the full support of the battalion’s members.

Meanwhile, Minister Bezalel Smotritch labeled the sanctions “madness” and criticized their timing, as Israel continues to face threats from Hamas. The Israeli government has made it clear that it will not tolerate external interference in its military affairs and has suggested alternative measures, including integrating the battalion into the National Police and the Ministry of National Security.