The U.S. Sanctions an Israeli Group for Attacking Humanitarian Aid Convoys

The United States has sanctioned the Israeli group 'Tzav 9' due to its attacks on convoys carrying humanitarian aid for starving civilians in Gaza. An American official stated on Friday, June 15, that the actions of this Israeli group pose a threat to the prospect of peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The 'Tzav 9' group, linked to the reserve forces of the Israeli army and Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, has been involved in blocking the routes of aid convoys to Gaza, creating disturbances, and destroying these shipments. Previously, the U.S. had warned about the possibility of sanctioning one of the units of the Israeli army and emphasized the importance of adhering to a uniform standard regarding human rights. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, rejecting accusations of 'double standards' in human rights violations, announced that he is reviewing allegations of human rights violations by the Israeli army and breaches of laws regarding the use of American weapons. Reports indicate that Israeli officials contacted the U.S. Secretary of State requesting a reconsideration of the decision to sanction a combat unit of the Israeli army. Axios reported a day earlier that the Secretary of State of the Biden administration is likely to announce sanctions against an Israeli army battalion in the coming days due to 'human rights violations' in the occupied territories of the West Bank. According to Axios, members of the 'Tzav 9' battalion will be prohibited from receiving any military assistance from the United States as a result of these sanctions. This is the first time the U.S. has considered sanctions against an Israeli army unit. The contact between two Israeli ministers and the U.S. Secretary of State suggests speculation about efforts to reconsider the potential sanctions. The likelihood of sanctions against an Israeli army unit has been strongly condemned by Israeli officials. Antony Blinken stated that decisions have been made regarding the 'allegations of human rights violations' by Israel. The UN Human Rights Council has called for a halt to the sale or transfer of weapons to Israel. Biden told Netanyahu that U.S. policy depends on 'Israel's immediate actions.' The U.S. Secretary of Defense stated that Israel should take 'specific steps' to protect aid workers and civilians.