US Sanctions on Israeli Military Unit Netzah Yehuda May Strain Ties Further

Israeli leaders have criticized the anticipated decision by the US to impose sanctions on Netzah Yehuda, a unit of ultra-Orthodox soldiers in the Israeli military. The move would be the first time the US has ever imposed sanctions on a unit within the Israeli military, further straining relations between the two allies. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to fight the decision, calling it unfair. Netzah Yehuda has been linked to abuses against Palestinians and came under heavy American criticism in 2022 after an elderly Palestinian-American man died shortly after being detained at a West Bank checkpoint.The US is expected to announce its decision as soon as Monday, following reviews of allegations that several Israeli military units violated conditions for receiving US assistance outlined in the Leahy Law. The law bars US aid from going to foreign military units that have committed human rights abuses. Israeli leaders argue that sanctioning the unit would harm Israel's international legitimacy during wartime and undermine their judicial system.