Israel suspends battalion assaulting, detaining CNN crew in West Bank

3 hours ago

The Israeli military suspended a reserve battalion involved in detaining and assaulting a CNN team in the West Bank, withdrawing it from operations for training.
The disciplinary action followed a CNN report on an incident where soldiers, including from the ultra-Orthodox Netzah Yehuda battalion, used a chokehold on a journalist and damaged equipment.
The battalion, known for integrating ultra-Orthodox Jews and attracting right-wing settlers, faces scrutiny over ethical issues and settler violence in the West Bank.
U.S. sanctions against the battalion were considered in 2024 over human rights abuses but dropped after Israel claimed corrective actions were taken.
During the detention, soldiers expressed beliefs that the West Bank belongs to Jews and discussed illegal outposts, sparking criticism from Israeli officials and media.
Israeli officials, including the National Security Minister, condemned the suspension, while others called for accountability and prosecution of the soldiers involved.
The incident highlighted broader concerns about settler violence and the military's role, with apologies and investigations initiated by Israeli authorities.

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