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Netanyahu has refused to accept sanctions on the Israeli army

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday he would fight sanctions imposed on any Israeli military unit for rights violations, after some media outlets suggested Washington was planning it. news site axios It was reported on Saturday that Washington is considering imposing sanctions on the Israeli Netzah Yehuda battalion, which operates in the occupied West Bank, although the Israeli military claims to be unaware of such measures.

On Friday, the United States announced a series of sanctions involving Israeli settlers in the West Bank, the latest sign of growing frustration with the policies of Netanyahu, whose coalition government is dependent on settler parties. “If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on an IDF (Israel Defense Forces) unit, I will fight them with all my might,” Netanyahu said in a statement.

Israeli War Cabinet Minister and former head of the armed forces Benny Gantz said in a statement on Sunday that he had spoken to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and asked him to reconsider the matter. The State Department assured that Blinken spoke with Gantz and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant about Israel’s security, efforts to ensure that the conflict in Gaza does not escalate, and the need for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access for civilians in Gaza. The flow of aid should increase. The US statements did not mention sanctions.

Gantz has suggested that such sanctions would be a mistake, would harm Israel’s legitimacy in a time of war, and are unfair because Israel has an independent justice system and a military that respects international law. Blinken said on Friday that he had made a “decision” regarding allegations that Israel violated US laws that prohibit providing military assistance to individuals or security force units committing serious human rights violations.

Last week, pro publica Some State Department documents were leaked recommending Blinken withdraw aid to some military and police units that have been accused of human rights violations.