US Decides to Continue Aid to Israeli Army Unit

The US State Department reported on Friday that "the United States believes that alleged human rights violations committed by a unit of the Israeli army have been effectively addressed following new information provided by Israel." State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated in an email that "the unit in question, the Nitzach Yehuda Battalion, can continue to receive US security assistance." The United States called for a criminal investigation after allegations involving soldiers from the battalion in the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian-American man. Prior to receiving new information in April, it was reported that Washington intended to subject the unit to a US law that prohibits military assistance to those committing serious human rights violations. Axios reported that "the United States will not impose sanctions on the Nitzach Yehuda unit of the Israeli army and has decided to end the investigation into potential human rights violations by the unit in the West Bank." Axios, citing senior American and Israeli officials, noted that Secretary of State Antony Blinken informed Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of this change in their conversation on Friday. Earlier, Israeli media reported that Washington would impose sanctions on the unit due to its treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank.