Duval Times

U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Marco Rubio (R-FL) expressed strong opposition to the Biden Administration's intention to impose sanctions on the Israel Defense Forces Netzah Yehuda battalion. Senator Rubio condemned the move, stating, "I oppose plans by the Biden Administration to impose sanctions on the commanders and troops of the Netzah Yehuda battalion."

Rubio highlighted the significant role played by the battalion in combating threats to Israel's security, stating, "This unit has been on the frontline against Hezbollah, which is terrorizing Israelis in Judea and Samaria, and it is now working to dismantle Hamas brigades in Gaza." He further emphasized the battalion's successful operations, noting, "In the last year, this unit has neutralized more than 30 terrorists, destroyed 69 terrorist structures, including sites used by Hamas to launch rockets at Israeli citizens, and located 3 underground sites in Gaza."

The Senator criticized the impending sanctions as a misguided attempt by President Biden to appease Israel's adversaries, including those engaging in anti-Semitic activities. Rubio warned that such actions would not only stigmatize the entire IDF but also embolden groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian regime. He stated, "These impending sanctions are an effort by President Biden to appease Israel’s enemies, including the antisemitic mobs terrorizing college campuses across America. But it will stigmatize the entire IDF and encourage Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Iranian regime."

Senator Rubio's statement underscores the concerns raised by some policymakers regarding the potential impact of punitive measures on a critical Israeli military unit.