Could undermine support for Jerusalem, open door for International Criminal Court
By 
JERUSALEM – The Biden administration’s signaled intention to impose sanctions on an elite Israel Defense Forces unit is causing alarm throughout Israel, especially in light of late-breaking news reports indicating that still other units – in addition to the Netzah Yehuda Battalion – might also be in Washington’s crosshairs.
According to reports from the Times of Israel, the Israeli military has downplayed U.S. political moves, claiming it was “unaware” of Washington’s plans to sanction the unit – which has been involved in a number of controversial and violent incidents in the West Bank.
Comprised mostly of ultra-Orthodox and other religions male soldiers, members of the Netzah Yehuda (“Judea Forever”) Battalion do not interact with female troops and are provided with additional time for Torah study and prayer. The battalion has been deployed to some of the hottest theaters of war, including on the northern border, carrying out missions in the West Bank, as well as pinpoint strikes in Gaza. And the unit has had its share of controversies, with convictions meted out after evidence emerged of alleged torture and/or abuse of Palestinian prisoners and other detainees.
Despite the IDF’s public downplaying of the Biden administration’s planned move, there was widespread condemnation from across Israel’s political spectrum at the prospect, from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Opposition Leader (although current member of Israel’s War Cabinet and former IDF Chief-of-Staff) Benny Gantz to former Prime Minister Yair Lapid. Both of the latter two leaders are implacable political opponents of Netanyahu, and while Lapid called the move a “mistake,” he couldn’t resist taking aim at Netanyahu and his government, accusing them of being the source of the problem.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has been busy today, speaking with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew, and due to speak with Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
“I expect the American administration to go back on its intention to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda Battalion,” Gallant said in remarks published by the Defense Ministry, warning that the planned move would set a “dangerous” precedent.