Biden Refuses To Sanction Israeli Units Behind ‘Gross’ War Crimes

The crimes committed by these units include torture, rape, and executions

The government of US President Joe Biden has decided against imposing sanctions on Israeli army units responsible for human rights violations against Palestinians, despite initial plans to do so.

ABC News reported on 26 April that a government assessment determined that three battalions in the Israeli army committed “gross human rights violations” against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank “but will remain eligible for US military aid regardless because of steps Israel says it’s taking to address the problem.”

The assessment, which has not been made public, was outlined in a letter written by US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to House Speaker Mike Johnson, which the news network obtained.

The rights violations committed by Israeli forces “will not delay the delivery of any US assistance and Israel will be able to receive the full amount appropriated by Congress.” Billions in US aid to Israel was approved by Biden just two days ago after passing in the Senate on Tuesday.

The violations in question were committed prior to 7 October and took place in the occupied West Bank. They include the execution of Palestinians by Israeli border police, as well as torture and rape during interrogation.

None are related to Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children.

Yet the decision is expected to frustrate many critics of the Biden administration who believe Washington has not done enough to hold Israel accountable for war crimes.

Under the US Leahy Law, Washington should withhold military aid to states committing severe human rights abuses. Yet the law allows exceptions if measures are taken to punish those responsible.


An informed source told ABC that Israel and the US have a “special agreement” that Washington must consult with Tel Aviv over any decision relating to foreign assistance. The source added that these consultations are ongoing.

Blinken’s letter states that four of the Israeli army units have undergone “remediation” steps, meaning that those within the units that are responsible for the crimes have been internally held accountable.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on 21 April: “If anyone thinks they can impose sanctions on a unit of the IDF, I will fight it with all my strength.”

🔗SOURCE ➡️ The Cradle

Related: 4/26 — Netanyahu on ICC: "We Will Not Bow To It"

4/22 — US May Impose Sanctions on Israel Army Unit for Human Rights Violations

4/18 — Blinken Shelves Special Request to Probe Israeli War Crimes: Report

4/5 — UN Rights Body Demands Israel Be Held Accountable for Possible ‘War Crimes’, Calls for Halt to Weapons Shipments to Israel

4/2 — Netanyahu: Whole World Is Ganging up on Us. It’s a Combination of Ignorance and Antisemitism

3/29 — US Loosens Sanctions on Violent Israeli Settlers
[Earlier -> 2/1 — Biden Issues Sanctions on Israeli Settlers That Attack Palestinians in West Bank]

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