Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised to oppose any sanctions imposed against the country's military by its allies, the United States.
Netanyahu replied on Sunday, April 21, amid rumors that the US intends to impose penalties on its armed forces for suspected human rights crimes.
“If anyone thinks they can impose sanction on a Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unit. I will fight with all my strength,” Netanyahu said.
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Earlier, Axios news agency Reuters reported that the US was preparing to put additional restrictions on Israel's Netzah Yehuda brigade, which operates in the West Bank.
However, the military disputed the story, claiming it was unaware of such actions.
“Following publication about sanctions against the battalion, the IDF is not aware of the issue. If a decision is made on the matter it will be reviewed. The IDF works and will continue to work to investigate any unusual event in a practical manner and according to law,” the military is quoted by Reuters news.
Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant urged the United States to drop its plans to penalize Netzah Yehuda, claiming that the world was paying more attention to US-Israel relations than ever before.
"Any attempt to criticize an entire unit casts a heavy shadow on the actions of the IDF," Mr. Gallant said in a statement.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Friday that he had made "determinations" regarding allegations that Israel violated a set of US laws that prohibits providing military assistance to individuals or security force units that commit gross violations of human rights.
However, the charges were based on instances that occurred before Israel conflicted with Gaza on October 7.
