Two Israeli Ministers Contact U.S. Secretary of State; Speculations Arise About Efforts to Reconsider Sanctions

On Sunday, April 21, the U.S. Department of State announced a conversation between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Israeli Minister of War Benny Gantz. According to Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, the discussions focused on Israel's security, increasing humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, the need for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and recent tensions with the Islamic Republic and Hezbollah in Lebanon. However, Axios news outlet claimed that the two Israeli ministers requested Blinken to reconsider the 'decision to sanction a combat unit of the Israeli army.' According to this report, Gantz told Blinken during the call that this decision is unjustified and undermines Israel's legitimacy during wartime, emphasizing that Israel has a strong and independent judicial system and that all military units operate under orders that are formulated and executed in accordance with international law. Additionally, Axios reported on Saturday, April 20, that the U.S. Secretary of State is likely to announce sanctions against an Israeli army battalion due to 'human rights violations' in the occupied territories of the West Bank in the coming days. The online publication cited three informed sources stating that members of the 'Nitzach Yehuda' battalion of the Israeli army would be barred from receiving any U.S. military aid due to these sanctions. Israel has called for Europe to 'wake up' against the 'evil empire' of the Islamic Republic. Netanyahu stated, 'We will deliver painful and more blows to Hamas.' Zelensky and Netanyahu expressed gratitude to the U.S.; as long as the U.S. supports democracy, freedom will not fail. Austin's support for the approval of a $95 billion aid package; Israel becomes stronger against the threats of the Islamic Republic. The Israeli army targeted Hezbollah forces in Lebanon for the third time on Saturday.