The Biden administration’s recent announcement of a $20 billion equipment sale to Israel has raised concerns about accountability for the proper use of weapons. The State Department defended its ability to hold Israel accountable for adhering to international law, emphasizing the importance of ensuring American defense articles are not used improperly.
State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel highlighted the Leahy vetting forum, which recently completed a criminal investigation into the Netzah Yehuda battalion’s alleged human rights violations. Despite the findings, Patel stated that the battalion can continue to receive US security assistance after remediation efforts.
However, Patel stressed the US’s commitment to urging Israel to prevent human rights abuses, citing reports of IDF soldiers using Palestinians as human shields in Gaza. The State Department called for immediate and transparent investigations into these allegations and accountability for any perpetrators.
As the US continues to maintain its security partnership with Israel, it remains steadfast in its dedication to upholding moral and strategic imperatives and ensuring that actions inconsistent with these values are addressed appropriately.