The Biden administration caving to BDS tactics against Israel Secretary of State Antony Blinken is reportedly considering applying the "...
The Biden administration caving to BDS tactics against Israel
Secretary of State Antony Blinken is reportedly considering applying the "Leahy Laws" to blacklist the IDF’s Netzach Yehuda Battalion. These laws prohibit the U.S. government from providing assistance to foreign security units implicated in gross human rights violations.
Various political NGOs and rights organizations, often known for their extreme viewpoints, have accused Israel of human rights abuses. For instance, in October 2022, DAWN (Democracy for the Arab World Now) submitted a Leahy Law referral against the Netzach Yehuda Battalion, alleging systematic and widespread abuses.
The battalion, an ultra-Orthodox unit exclusively comprised of males, previously served in the Jordan Valley and Samaria until late 2022. It now operates in Gaza, combating Hamas terrorists. Accusations of abuse have arisen, notably in the case of 78-year-old Palestinian-American Omar As’ad, who died in 2022 after being detained by the battalion.
However, many critics perceive this potential move as absurd. They believe the Biden administration aims to appease anti-Israel voters before the U.S. elections in November, thereby undermining Israel's legitimacy as it confronts a genocidal adversary.
Richard Goldberg, a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, squarely blames President Joe Biden for this stance. Goldberg suggests that Biden's readiness to discredit a close democratic ally's military fundamentally questions its integrity, morality, and adherence to the rule of law.
According to Goldberg, sourcing information from radical extremist organizations that actively seek Israel's destruction has emboldened groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran. He asserts that the Biden administration's adoption of BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) tactics against Israel has emboldened its adversaries.
Goldberg urges U.S. senators to intervene and prevent this move, emphasizing that such actions would damage not only Israel's security but also the U.S.'s credibility as a defender of democracies.
Jacob Olidort, director of research at the Gemunder Center for Defense and Strategy, echoes these concerns. He views the reported decision to sanction a unit of Israel's military as a rebuke of the entire IDF and suggests it undermines Israel's ability to defend itself.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently opposed the Biden administration's intentions to sanction the Netzach Yehuda Battalion. He vows to defend Israel's military and fighters against such measures.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has similarly condemned any attempts to criticize an entire IDF unit, emphasizing the battalion's adherence to international law and its mission to protect Israeli citizens.
Goldberg warns that adopting BDS tactics against Israel could set a dangerous precedent, signaling to the world that democracies cannot hold themselves accountable. He cautions against actions that may inadvertently undermine the U.S. military and its allies.
In summary, Goldberg contends that the purported move against the Netzach Yehuda Battalion is part of a broader campaign to delegitimize Israel and hinder its efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens.
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