U.S. scrutinizes Israeli unit over 'Guantanamo-like abuse allegations
The U.S. State Department is investigating reports of human rights violations committed by an Israeli military unit. If these reports are verified, the U.S. will cease supplying weapons to the unit.
9:43 AM EDT, October 22, 2024
The investigation focuses on a unit accused of violating human rights in a detention camp for Gaza Strip detainees, often referred to as "Israel's Guantanamo." If the allegations are substantiated, the unit would be denied access to American weaponry.
According to sources cited by the Axios portal on Monday, the inquiry involves the unit managing the camp at the Sede Teman military base in the Negev Desert. This site holds Palestinians detained from the Gaza Strip, including those suspected of participating in Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Members of the unit have been charged with sexually assaulting a detainee. Human rights organizations have long raised concerns about violations occurring in the camp, dubbed "Israel's Guantanamo." The "Haaretz" newspaper reports that 30 prisoners have died there since the onset of the latest conflict in the Gaza Strip.
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Axios notes that the U.S. investigation is conducted under the Leahy Law, which prohibits assistance and military supplies to units credibly accused of human rights violations.
A similar investigation was launched by the State Department earlier this year concerning the Netzah Yehuda Battalion. This unit was involved in the death of a 78-year-old U.S. citizen in the West Bank. In that case, U.S. officials chose not to impose sanctions, stating that Israel took steps to hold those responsible accountable and implemented measures to prevent future incidents.
