Joining the Israel Defense Forces for ultra-Orthodox Jews has been made possible through the formation of the all-male Netzah Yehuda battalion. While providing accommodations for religious beliefs, the battalion has faced allegations of human rights abuses in the West Bank, prompting consideration for sanctions that were ultimately withdrawn under Israeli pressure. A U.S. nonprofit, Friends of Nahal Haredi, has been backing the battalion, led by Stephen Rosedale, who also supports pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC.
The Biden administration’s reluctance to sanction the battalion reflects a broader issue of accountability for human rights violations. Rosedale’s significant contributions to AIPAC’s super PAC align with a strategy to influence key political races, as seen in efforts to unseat Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush. AIPAC’s targeted spending aims to ensure unwavering support for Israel and silence critics in Congress, raising concerns about accountability and transparency in political donations.
The ongoing debate within the Democratic Party highlights the influence of lobbying groups like AIPAC and their impact on key policy decisions related to U.S. military aid to Israel. With growing scrutiny on the intersection of money in politics and human rights abuses, the need for accountability and ethical governance remains paramount.
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