US Sanctions on Israeli Unit Impact on Relations and Netanyahu’s Challenge.
1 min read 2024-04-26, 10:20 PM IST
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In Short Sanctions Imposed: The United States has imposed sanctions on Battalion Yehuda, a unit of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), marking the first instance of such action against Israel. Limited Scope: The sanctions target Battalion Yehuda due to its history of alleged abuses against Palestinians and involvement in the killing of a US citizen. However, other Israeli units under investigation were spared from sanctions. Israeli Response: Israeli leaders publicly accepted the sanctions on Battalion Yehuda but warned against further sanctions on other units, signaling resistance to broader sanctions. Impact on US-Israel Relations: Despite the imposition of sanctions, the overall US-Israel relationship remains strong, evidenced by continued US military aid to Israel. |
We’re joined now by Scott Lucas, a Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin, speaking to us from Birmingham. This marks the first instance of the United States imposing sanctions of this nature. Could this signal a shift in the traditionally unwavering American support for Israel? While this move is significant, it remains quite limited in scope.
The sanctions target a single unit of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), namely Battalion Yehuda. This unit, comprised largely of Ultra-Orthodox Jews and settlers from the West Bank, has garnered notoriety for its extremist views and alleged abuses against Palestinians. It’s worth noting that the unit was previously implicated in the killing of a US citizen in January 2022 and had been redeployed from the West Bank to the Golan Heights in Syria.(also read: NGU World News Bulletin: April 16th, 2024).
Battalion Yehuda was already considered an outlier within the Israeli military establishment. However, what’s often overlooked is that several other Israeli units were under investigation by American authorities. A State Department panel had recommended sanctions against these units as well.
However, Secretary of State Antony Blinken opted not to pursue these recommendations, citing perceived reforms within those units. Israeli leaders have publicly accepted the imposition of sanctions on Battalion Yehuda, with Defense Minister Benny Gantz describing it as a “red line.” This response serves as a warning to the US against further sanctions on Israeli units.(also read: Jordan Urges De-Escalation Following Iranian Attack on Israel).
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Mr. Lucas, in light of the Israeli leadership’s assertion that sanctions on their soldiers constitute a “red line,” what retaliatory measures might Israel take against the US, considering its reliance on American military aid? It’s unlikely that we’ll see anything beyond diplomatic protests.
Despite the imposition of sanctions, the US House of Representatives recently passed a bill authorizing almost $2 billion in further military assistance to Israel. If the US truly intended to curb Israeli military actions, particularly in the West Bank or Gaza, it could consider reducing or suspending military aid.
However, there’s no indication that such measures are forthcoming. Consequently, while Israeli leaders may publicly denounce the sanctions, the overall US-Israel relationship, albeit strained, is likely to persist, allowing Israel latitude in its military operations, including in Gaza.
Furthermore, recent events, such as the US abstention from vetoing a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire and the discussion of sanctions, have highlighted emerging tensions in the US-Israel partnership. How might this pressure affect Prime Minister Netanyahu, given the close alliance between Israel and the US? The key question revolves around Israel’s actions, particularly regarding Gaza.
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In Short Emerging Tensions: Recent events, such as the US abstention from vetoing a UN resolution and discussions of sanctions, have highlighted tensions in the US-Israel partnership. Netanyahu’s Challenge: Prime Minister Netanyahu faces pressure domestically due to the prolonged conflict with Hamas and the lack of progress in resolving it. Future Dynamics: The true impact of the sanctions hinges on Israel’s actions, particularly regarding Gaza, and how Netanyahu addresses mounting domestic concerns over the conflict. |
Any escalation of the conflict in Gaza, where a significant portion of the population is already enduring dire conditions, could force the US to take a more decisive stance. However, the primary challenge for Netanyahu lies not with the Americans but with his own people. The prolonged military campaign against Hamas, which has resulted in significant Palestinian casualties without tangible progress, has led to growing discontent among Israelis. As the conflict persists, Netanyahu may face increasing pressure domestically to find a resolution.(also read: Iran Issues Warning Threatens Strike on US Bases Amid Support for Israel’s Response).
In conclusion, while the imposition of sanctions by the US represents a notable development in US-Israel relations, its immediate impact on the broader dynamics between the two countries may be limited. The true test lies in how Israel navigates its military operations, particularly in Gaza, and how Prime Minister Netanyahu addresses mounting domestic concerns over the protracted conflict.
