On Saturday night, right-wing MKs reacted to sanctions imposed by the US State Department on the Netzah Yehuda battalion.
"It will spread to lower-ranked officers"
MK Ariel Kellner (Likud) wrote on his X account: "As I said before, the process of sanctions that began against settlers and activists who are perceived as "extremists" without evidence and without any legal basis is intended for one thing: creating symmetry between Israel and its enemies.
"It starts with a few settlers, and now continues to a unit in the IDF. It will continue against officers and soldiers who are fighting the enemy in a way that [meets the needs] of someone in the State Department."
Kellner also added, "Our mutual responsibility for one another is being tested at these moments. I expect the entire political system in the State of Israel to show patriotism and say clearly: Just as there was no symmetry between the allies to the Nazis, there is no symmetry between Israel, which is fighting for its life, and its bloodthirsty enemies who represent moral depravity and pure human evil.
"Whoever thinks he will escape the fate of the Jews should learn a little history. This is the stage when we need to line up and tell the world that despite all the differences, all Jews look out for one another."
"Contemporary antisemitism"
MK Tally Gotliv (Likud) also reacted to the sanctions: "Whom does the US think it is that it dares to impose sanctions on the charedi Netzah Yehuda Battalion of the IDF? Contemporary antisemitism! I'm tired of this US control over us and these open threats.
"I look forward to strongly condemning this disgraceful threat to our troops. The US is stepping on us with sophistication, stick and carrot, stick and carrot. I refuse to be their victim!
"They can all go to hell"
MK Zvi Sukkot of the Religious Zionism party addressed the members of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion and wrote: "You are already used to being slandered by the Left and the media and now the Americans have joined the fray. But you, who have lost quite a few friends in battle, fought like lions in every sector, arrested and killed terrorists and never once thought of apologizing for it, tell everyone to go to hell, and just keep doing exactly what you have been. Netzah Yehuda - for us you are the best there is."
"If the Minister of Defense does not back Netzah Yehuda, I will invite them to join the police"
Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also responded to the report and called on the Minister of Defense to oppose the sanctions: "The report that the US intends to impose sanctions on the Netzah Yehuda Battalion is extremely serious and constitutes a crossing of a red line. I expect Defense Minister Yoav Gallant not to submit to the American dictates - [our soldiers] must receive full backing!
"If the Ministry of Defense does not provide full support to the battalion as required, I will ask to absorb them in the Israel Police and Ministry of National Security. The ranks of the Military Police are open to this important battalion."
