Gantz asks Blinken to reconsider decision to sanction IDF’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion

War cabinet minister Benny Gantz asked US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to reconsider the reported plan to sanction the IDF’s Netzah Yehuda Battalion, his office says in a readout of the conversation.

Not only will sanctioning the largely ultra-Orthodox battalion harm Israel’s international legitimacy as it fights the Hamas terror group in Gaza, but there is no justification for the US to do so, Gantz told Blinken.

The Israeli judicial system is strong and independent, the former IDF chief of staff said, adding that all IDF units are subject to the IDF’s code of conduct and orders in accordance with international law.

The two also discussed the urgent need to work together with regional partners and put together a plan for the day after the war in Gaza, while also placing pressure on Hamas to return the hostages.