US Continues Military Aid to Israeli Unit Despite Human Rights Concerns

The United States has decided not to restrict military aid to the Israeli Defense Forces' Netzah Yehuda battalion, despite previous accusations of human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that the US determined the violations had been "effectively remediated." This decision follows months of scrutiny after the US accused the battalion and four other Israeli security units of serious human rights abuses prior to the recent conflict with Hamas in Gaza. The controversy surrounding the Netzah Yehuda battalion intensified after the death of 78-year-old Palestinian American Omar Assad, who died following his detention by the unit. Although the unit's commander faced reprimand, no soldiers were charged in connection with Assad's death. Reports indicate that former commanders of the battalion have since been promoted within the IDF and are currently involved in training operations in Gaza. Miller's statement highlighted that the US had been reviewing additional information from the Israeli government regarding the unit's conduct. Under the Leahy Law, military assistance to foreign security units implicated in human rights abuses is generally prohibited, but exceptions can be made if the responsible government takes effective steps toward accountability. Critics have accused the Biden administration of failing to exert sufficient pressure on Israel regarding its military actions in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly condemned any potential sanctions against the IDF, labeling them as absurd and morally questionable during a time of conflict.