Axios

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to within days announce sanctions against the Israel Defense Forces "Netzah Yehuda" battalion for human rights violations in the occupied West Bank, three U.S. sources with knowledge of the issue told Axios.

Why it matters: It would be the first time the U.S. imposed sanctions on an Israeli military unit.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said on Saturday that the Palestinian Authority will "reevaluate its relations with the U.S." after the U.S. vetoed the Palestinians' bid to become a full member state at the United Nations.

Why it matters: The practical implications of Abbas' statement are unclear, but it is the harshest criticism of U.S. policy he has expressed since President Biden assumed office.

The Pentagon is preparing to rush critical ammunition and air defenses to Ukraine in the coming days, delivering a lifeline to frontline forces battered by Russian bombs and demoralized by congressional inaction.

Why it matters: Eight months after President Biden first requested billions of dollars in new funding for Ukraine, the House finally is on the verge of passing a foreign aid package.

The U.S. imposed sanctions on Friday against Ben-Zion (Benzi) Gopstein — an extremist settler who is the founder and the leader of "Lehava," an organization that has engaged in destabilizing violence affecting the occupied West Bank, the State Department said in a statement.

Why it matters: This third round of sanctions imposed by the U.S. targets an extremist settler who is part of the inner circle of an Israeli cabinet member and whose organization was involved in violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Israel conducted a strike in Iran early Friday morning local time, a senior U.S. official told Axios.

Why it matters: Israel, which has not confirmed it launched an attack, has vowed to retaliate against Iran for a missile and drone attack on Israel. The U.S. is concerned that continued counterattacks could trigger wider regional escalation.