Israeli Military Units Accused of Human Rights Violations in USA
The United States is considering suspending aid to an Israeli army unit accused of human rights violations. Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced that after a thorough investigation, 5 Israeli army units were found to be responsible for individual incidents of gross human rights violations.
While 4 of the units were able to effectively correct their violations, the fifth unit, the Orthodox Netzah Yehuda battalion, is currently under review for a possible suspension of US aid. The Leahy Act, a US law, prohibits the sale of weapons to states and groups that violate human rights.
The Netzah Yehuda battalion, composed of ultra-Orthodox Jews, has been accused of numerous incidents of violence, rights violations, and disproportionate use of force against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The unit came under scrutiny after the death of US citizen Palestinian Omar Assad in their custody.
Despite disciplinary action against the battalion commander and soldiers involved, the United States has called for a comprehensive criminal investigation and full accountability in the case. As a result, the battalion has been relocated from the West Bank to the occupied Golan Heights.
The US government continues to consult with the Israeli government regarding the actions of the Netzah Yehuda battalion and is considering the possibility of resuming aid if effective steps are taken to address the violations. The situation remains fluid as both countries navigate the complex issue of human rights violations in the region.
