US won’t sanction IDF despite ‘gross human rights violations’ – media — RT World News

The US government has determined that three Israeli army units have committed various human rights violations against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, but has nonetheless decided to keep military aid flowing to Israel, for now, according to US media reports.

Under the so-called Leahy Act, the US Departments of State and Defense are prohibited from providing military assistance to foreign militaries and law enforcement units that have been found to have flagrantly violated human rights. However, there is an exception for those who have taken steps “Bring the responsible unit members to justice.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken outlined in an undated letter letter For House Speaker Mike Johnson, it was obtained by ABC News and the AP on Friday.

The charges against two civilian units and three military units, including the Netzah Yehuda Battalion made up primarily of ultra-Orthodox Jews, stem from incidents unrelated to the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza.

According to Blinken, four units have been subjected since then “The correct treatment steps” Israel promised to deal with the rest in the near future. According to previous reports, the problematic unit is the Netzah Yehuda Battalion, which redeployed to the Golan Heights in Syria in January last year after a military operation. 'A relatively large number of accidents' Where soldiers were arrested on charges of beating Palestinians.

He added: “The Israeli government has provided new information regarding the status of the unit, and we will work to determine the way for an effective reform of this unit.” Blinken wrote.

Thus, although the US administration decided that three battalions under review had committed “Grave human rights violations” The result “We will not delay the delivery of any US aid and Israel will be able to receive the full amount allocated by Congress.” Blinken wrote.

He added: “This will have no impact on our support for Israel's ability to defend itself against Hamas, Iran, Hezbollah, or any other threats.” he added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the idea of ​​imposing sanctions on the Israeli military last week, adding that he was in contact with American officials to work against the potential decision. At a time when the IDF “Fighting terrorist monsters” This intention “The height of absurdity and the decline of morals” He wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that his government would take action “By all means against these moves.”