The Israeli battalion is facing possible sanctions over alleged rights violations

The US is considering sanctions against an Israeli military battalion called Netzah Yehuda over allegations of human rights abuses against Palestinians. Analysts and Israeli media report that Washington is prepared to take action against the battalion due to perceived impunity and past transgressions.

Originally founded in 1999 to encourage men of ultra-Orthodox Jewish descent to enroll, Netzah Yehuda has now expanded to recruit members of various religious communities, including settlers from Israeli-occupied territories. The unit’s mandate has grown over time, with its first deployment taking place in the West Bank and lasting until 2022.

The ultra-Orthodox have always been spared military service in a country where it is mandatory for the majority of young people. But Netzah Yehuda gives ultra-Orthodox recruits the opportunity to serve in accordance with their religious beliefs, which include following strict dietary requirements, separating genders and setting aside certain times for prayer and religious study.

The battalion has recruited people with strong nationalist and religious views, especially those who harbor hatred towards Arabs, but it has also attracted marginalized ultra-Orthodox adolescents seeking integration into Israeli society and economic stability.

Marwa Maziad, a visiting lecturer with expertise in Israeli studies, emphasized the battalion’s appeal to religious Zionists who combine nationalist beliefs with religious interpretations. These opinions often correspond with those of the radical Israeli settlement movements.

Netzah Yehuda has been involved in counter-insurgency and law enforcement activities, especially in the West Bank, where Israeli-Palestinian tensions have long existed. Nevertheless, the unit’s image has been damaged by claims that some unit members have abused others. The Israeli military has maintained its support for the unit despite allegations of misconduct, emphasizing its commitment to moral principles and international law.

The assassination of American-Palestinian Omar Assad in January 2022, which was allegedly carried out by Netzah Yehuda forces, brought the unit’s actions back into the spotlight. Investigations were sparked and outraged when Assad, 78, was found bound and blinded in freezing weather.

Other incidents involving the use of Netzah Yehuda forces, such as attacks on Palestinians and Bedouin civilians, have also been exposed by Israeli media. The battalion’s strong ties with settlement communities have been cited by critics as creating an atmosphere of impunity.

The US State Department sent embassy staff to Israel to investigate Assad’s death amid mounting criticism. Netzah Yehuda was then moved to the Golan Heights, which had been annexed. Concerns about further possible violations have been raised after the battalion was redeployed to the West Bank and Gaza as a result of the current escalation of the war between Israel and Hamas.

Concerns about the unit’s behavior and ideological beliefs are reflected in discussions within the Israeli military about the unit’s future. Some insiders warn that the effectiveness and integrity of the army could be jeopardized by Netzah Yehuda’s nationalist ideology.

Source: AFP