US To Sanction Entire IDF Battalion Over Alleged Human Rights Abuses

Axios is reporting what marks an unexpected and unprecedented development in US-Israel relations: the Biden administration will in the coming days announce sanctions against an entire battalion of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Three US officials told the outlet that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will unveil the punitive measures against the IDF’s “Netzah Yehuda” battalion for its allegedly committing human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank. It is an ultra orthodox brigade founded in 1999 in coordination with rabbis who sought to allow easier entry into the military of a religious community which typically rejects national service.