In the video: Netzah Yehuda Battalion activity in the Gaza Strip/photo: Doc
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded this evening (Saturday) to the first publication by Walla's envoy to Washington, Barak Ravid, about the sanctions that the White House is expected to impose on the Netzah Yehuda Battalion - against the background of violating the human rights of Palestinians in the West Bank. The publication caused great outrage in the entire political system - and in particular in the right-wing parties. "The height of absurdity and a moral low," Netanyahu called it.
"Sanctions should not be imposed on the Israel Defense Forces," the Prime Minister said following the report, "I have been working in recent weeks against the imposition of sanctions on Israeli citizens, including in my conversations with senior American government officials. At a time when our soldiers are fighting the monsters of terror, the intention is to impose sanctions on an IDF unit." This is the height of absurdity and a moral low. The government under my leadership will act by all means against these moves."
Similar reactions were also received from members of the Knesset and ministers in the coalition. The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gabir, said that "the report that the US intends to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda Battalion is extremely serious and constitutes crossing a line Adom. Defense Minister Yoav Galant expects not to give in to the American dictates - they must be given full support." The minister also added that "if there is no one in the Ministry of Defense to back up the battalion as required, I will ask to receive them in the Israel Police and the Ministry of National Security. The ranks of the MGB are open to receive this important battalion."
Prime Minister Netanyahu's harsh condemnation message against the White House - came a little more than an hour after a congratulatory tweet he published following the aid package to Israel approved by the American House of Representatives. Following the approval, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement: "Congress passed by an overwhelming majority an aid law that we greatly appreciate, and which shows strong bipartisan support for Israel, and protects Western culture. Thank you friends, thank you America."
The aid package to Israel was approved by a large majority, with bipartisan support. In total, aid in the amount of 95 billion dollars was approved for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian aid for Gaza. Of the package, about 61 billion is intended for Ukraine, eight billion for Taiwan and the countries of the Pacific Ocean and 9.5 billion for humanitarian aid to Gaza and refugees around the world. The aid package will now be approved by the Senate, which has a Democratic majority. The Senate is expected to vote in favor of the package next week, and forward it to President Biden for his signature.
Hosting the vote, Biden said members of the House of Representatives responded to "the call of history" at a critical juncture to pass the necessary legislation. "The package will deliver critical support to Israel and Ukraine, provide desperately needed needs to Gaza, Sudan, Haiti and other places affected by conflicts and natural disasters and increase security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. It comes at a moment of grave urgency, where Israel is facing unprecedented attacks from Iran." He called on the Senate to put the proposal on its agenda urgently: "Israel needs this."