Some Israeli leaders are lashing out at reported plans by the Biden administration to sanction an ultra-Orthodox Israeli combat unit that for years has faced claims of abuse against Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the intention to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda Battalion as "the height of absurdity and a moral nadir."
"I will strongly defend the (Israeli military), our army and our fighters," Netanyahu said. "If somebody thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit in the IDF – I will fight this with all my powers."
Axios and the Israeli media outlet Haaretz, citing U.S. government sources they did not name, reported the battalion could be banned from receiving U.S. military assistance or training. The battalion, among other issues, was linked in the death of an 80-year-old Palestinian-American in 2022. Haaretz said the Biden administration is considering sanctions against other military and police units in Israel.