Can We Hold US Allies Accountable for the Deaths of American Citizens?

The death of Aysenur Eygi, a 26-year-old Turkish-American activist, at the hands of an Israeli soldier last Friday has raised questions about the accountability of US allies when they are involved in the killing of American citizens.

Eygi was shot in the head while protesting Israeli settlements on Palestinian land in the West Bank. Witnesses have reported that she was struck by a bullet that had ricocheted off the ground, intended for another protester, whom the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) identified as a primary instigator of the protest.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern of American fatalities involving the Israeli military, with Eygi being the third US citizen killed in the West Bank since the escalation of conflict following Hamas’ attacks in southern Israel on October 7. Previous cases include Tawfiq Ajaq and Mohammad Khdour, both of whom were also killed under contentious circumstances, and Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist whose death in 2022 led to an FBI investigation that has yet to result in charges.

The US has limited options for addressing such incidents. Diplomatic pressure is a primary avenue, as exemplified by President Joe Biden’s calls for “full accountability” regarding Eygi’s death. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has also emphasized the need for changes in Israeli military practices. However, the effectiveness of diplomatic measures alone in ensuring justice remains uncertain.

The US could potentially involve American law enforcement in investigations or adjust military and trade relations, but these actions are less frequently pursued. The Leahy Law, which prohibits US weapons transfers to foreign military units involved in gross human rights violations, has not been significantly applied to Israel despite past recommendations.

The situation underscores a broader issue of accountability and justice when US citizens are killed by foreign allies. Critics argue that there is a double standard in how such incidents are handled, with less scrutiny applied compared to cases involving American citizens who are not dual nationals or are killed by other state actors.

Eygi’s family and supporters have called for an independent investigation into her death, arguing that current responses are insufficient and highlighting the need for more robust mechanisms to ensure accountability in such cases.

Vox, the Jerusalem Post, and the Associated Press contributed to this report.