The Biden administration is currently reviewing whether to restrict aid to an Israeli military battalion after investigations revealed that three battalions were credibly implicated in gross human rights violations against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. While two of the Israel Defense Forces units have implemented accountability measures and will continue to receive U.S. military assistance, the third unit is still under review. Israeli officials have been urging Washington not to impose restrictions on the unit, as they fear it will negatively impact the entire military. The U.S. has been increasingly critical of Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip, and protests have been growing on American college campuses in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Leahy Law, passed in 1997, restricts U.S. assistance to foreign security force units found to have committed gross human rights violations, unless effective steps are being taken to hold those responsible accountable. The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has been reviewing the cases of the Israeli units and has determined that effective remediation has not yet occurred for one of them – an ultra-orthodox West Bank battalion known as Netzah Yehuda. The Israeli government has provided new information on the unit’s status, and discussions are ongoing to identify a path to effective remediation for this unit. The United States is consulting with Israel on the necessary actions under the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act, and restrictions on assistance may still be imposed if accountability measures are not taken.
Two civilian units have also been under review for human rights violations against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank, but after undergoing effective remediation, they will continue to be eligible for U.S. security assistance. The Leahy Law is being carefully applied to these cases, with thorough inquiries and investigations being conducted to ensure that accurate determinations are made. Secretary Blinken has stated that results can be expected soon, indicating that decisions on the cases will be revealed in the coming days. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has been facing growing international condemnation, further highlighting the importance of accountability and adherence to human rights standards.
The move to potentially restrict aid to the implicated Israeli military unit has been met with strong opposition from Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has vowed to fight against the expected restriction with all his strength, describing it as absurd and morally wrong, particularly while Israeli soldiers are involved in fighting against Hamas. The U.S. government’s commitment to upholding human rights standards and the Leahy Law is evident in its thorough review and determination process for the Israeli military units involved in the human rights violations. The implications of this decision, whether aid is restricted or remediation measures are implemented, will have significant consequences for U.S.-Israel relations and perceptions of Israel’s military conduct on the international stage.
