Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement condemning sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) after a report surfaced claiming that the Biden administration is set to blacklist a unit for alleged human rights violations in Gaza.
Top U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden, have been increasingly critical of Israel’s military offensive in the besieged territory, where the mounting civilian death toll has sparked protests around the world.
When asked at a news conference in Italy on Friday about reports that the State Department has recommended the blacklisting of certain Israeli units from receiving U.S military aid over possible human rights abuses in the West Bank, Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not outright confirm the reports but said results are expected “very soon.”
Adding to the friction between the U.S. and longtime ally Israel, an Axios report published on Saturday stated that within days Blinken is expected to announce sanctions against the IDF’s “Netzah Yehuda” battalion for alleged human rights abuses.
No it’s not.
Because much like the pathetic settlers ban, you’ll get people arguing Biden is doing something about it because he banned the settlers. It takes pressure off of the administration while doing nothing to help the victims.
It’s effectively whitewashing the issue of the US not taking meaningful action on how it aids Israel.
It’s harmful, not helpful.
So, what’s the alternative?
The House just passed an aid package for Israel worth billions by an 86% majority.
Meaningful sanctions just aren’t in the cards.