US Identifies Israeli Forces for Human Rights Violations under Leahy Law

The United States has identified five units within the Israel Defense Forces responsible for “gross violations of human rights,” according to a statement from the State Department released on Monday. These incidents occurred prior to Hamas militant attacks in southern Israel and did not take place in Gaza, Patel explained during a press briefing. Four out of the five units have reportedly remedied their actions; however, discussions are still ongoing with Israeli officials regarding the remaining unit’s status under Leahy Law provisions related to foreign assistance restrictions for military units found guilty of human rights abuses. The State Department spokesperson also acknowledged that the fifth unit is currently eligible to receive U.S. arms. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reportedly raised this matter with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as required by Leahy Law provisions which prohibit using funds for assistance to units found guilty of gross violations of human rights unless the country’s government is consulted on the issue first. The law requires an automatic cutoff of aid to military units if credible evidence of abuses emerges; however, it does not affect broader security relationships between countries like Israel and the U.S., which have a longstanding history of cooperation in this area. Rights groups have previously criticized previous administrations for failing to thoroughly investigate allegations of Israeli military killings and other human rights violations against Palestinians due to concerns over invoking Leahy Laws designed to condition aid based on adherence to acceptable levels of conduct by foreign forces, according to The Associated Press. Israel maintains that its security services carry out investigations into abuses committed by their personnel while the country’s courts hold offenders accountable for any wrongdoing. As Israeli officials become increasingly anxious about potential arrest warrants being issued against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top-ranking government figures in connection with charges related to Israel’s military response during last year’s conflict between Hamas militant groups and the IDF, reports suggest that the International Criminal Court may accuse these senior officials of pursuing an overly aggressive war strategy against Gaza or obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries.