Netanyahu Slams ‘Outrageous’ U.S. Sanctions Plan, Warns of International Fallout

The United States and Israel appear poised to clash over sanctions.

On the 21st (local time), Axios, an American news website, reported, citing sources, that the U.S. plans to sanction the Israeli military unit over allegations of human rights abuses in the Palestinian West Bank.

While specific allegations have not been made public, U.S. authorities have reportedly captured footage of an Israeli military unit in the West Bank using violence against Palestinian residents.

This is the first time the U.S. government has imposed sanctions on the Israeli military. The sanctions are expected to be announced in the name of Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State, within a few days. Once implemented, the sanctioned unit will not be able to receive any U.S. military support or training, according to the source.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately opposed the news. In a statement, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, “This is outrageous and the height of unreasonableness,” and added, “I will fight back with all my might.”

The Jerusalem Post reported, “Benny Gantz, leader of the Blue and White Party and former Israeli Defense Minister, met with Secretary Blinken on the day and asked him to reconsider the decision,” adding, “He warned that this decision could harm Israel’s international legitimacy during a war.”