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Context:

• The US government may soon sanction a battalion of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Netzah Yehuda over alleged human rights violations, marking the first such move in the history of the two countries’ relations.

Basis of US Sanctions:

• The US is reportedly acting on concerns related to alleged human rights violations committed by the battalion, particularly incidents in the West Bank before Hamas attacked Israel in October the previous year.
• An incident involving the death of a 78-year-old US-Palestinian citizen, Omar Assad, while in IDF custody has been highlighted. The IDF claimed he died of a heart attack, but allegations of mistreatment have been made.
• The US State Department has expressed deep concern about Assad's death and called for a thorough investigation and accountability.
• The potential sanction is believed to be based on the Leahy Laws in the US.

Netzah Yehuda Battalion:

• The Netzah Yehuda battalion was established in 1999 to accommodate the religious beliefs of ultra-Orthodox Jews and other religious nationalist recruits in the IDF. It's an all-male unit known for giving time for prayers and study and limiting interactions with female soldiers.
• Criticisms and allegations of human rights violations, including torture and sexual assault of Palestinians, have been associated with the battalion over the years.

Refer to the article for a detailed understanding of the Israel-Palestine conflict: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-stand-on-the-israel-palestine-issue#:~:text=Palestine%20needs%20to%20stay%20within,all%20its%20forms%20and%20manifestations.

Read for US- Israel relations in detail:

https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/india-israel-relations-9

Source:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/us-sanction-netzah-yehuda-israel-military-9284966/

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