The Israeli government called on the Biden administration on Sunday in public and in private to reconsider its expected decision to sanction the Israel Defense Forces' "Netzah Yehuda" battalion for human rights violations in the occupied West Bank.
Why it matters: Israeli officials told Axios they are highly concerned the unprecedented decision could lead to more sanctions on other IDF units.
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.
