The State Department announced on Monday. Violations are specific to Israeli military operations It existed among Palestinian communities in the West Bank even before Israel’s current war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
However, the determination and response of the State Department signal a challenge Amid growing global backlash over Israeli actions in the Palestinian territories and accusations that the Israeli military violates international humanitarian law, the Biden administration has announced that it is a major arms supplier and military partner to Israel. listed as a reason.
Under the federal Leahy Act, the U.S. government is prohibited from providing weapons to foreign military or security forces. Found to have been involved in human rights violations or violate international humanitarian law.
State Department Deputy Spokesman Vedant Patel insisted Monday that the government is complying with the Leahy Act. does not impose any restrictions Regarding military aid to Israel.
Patel said the State Department has determined that a small number of Israeli military units are involved in serious human rights violations; In discussions with the Israeli government To address violations.
The State Department is Review of information Patel said this was provided by the Israeli government in relation to the fifth Israeli military unit, and that this would influence what actions the administration would impose.
“We continue to consult and engage with the Israeli government. They have submitted additional information related to that unit, and we continue to have those conversationsThis is in line with the Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Israel signed in 2021,” Patel said.
Mr. Patel’s statement provoked a backlash from reporters At a State Department press conference, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the Leahy Act decision on April 19, but questioned why the department did not mention its findings for 10 days. Mr Patel described the procedure as an “ongoing process”.
The allegations against the force are raised by Israel as follows: Under intense pressure and global isolation The Palestinian civilian casualties in Israel’s war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip add to decades of intense scrutiny over repeated conflicts between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.