The State Department announced on Friday that it has decided not to block aid to an Israeli military unit for the first time, following efforts by Israel to address human rights abuses. While the specific unit was not named publicly, it is believed to be the Netzah Yehuda, historically stationed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
Reports have linked the unit to violations against civilians in the Palestinian territory, including the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian American man while in the unit's custody in 2022. Secretary of State Antony Blinken had previously found that the battalion had committed serious human rights abuses triggering the Leahy law, a U.S. regulation on aid to foreign security forces.
Despite initial findings, Blinken decided to allow aid to continue to the unit, giving Israel time to address the reported abuses. This decision came amid criticism over the high number of civilian casualties during Israel's recent offensive in Gaza.
Former State Department officials have raised concerns about the department's history of making exceptions for Israel regarding Leahy law violations.
In a recent statement, the State Department revealed that it had received additional information from Israel regarding the case. After a thorough review, it was determined that the violations by the unit had been effectively remedied, allowing them to continue receiving security assistance.
An anonymous U.S. official disclosed that Israeli military prosecutors had taken action against two soldiers involved in the abuses. These soldiers were removed from combat duty, subsequently left the military, and are now ineligible for reserve service.
Furthermore, the Israeli military has reportedly implemented enhanced screening, training, and oversight measures for the unit in question.
