Memo Details Laws Obligating US to Cut Weapons to Israel A memo circulating among congressional offices highlights five laws and international standards that legally bind the United States to halt the sale or transfer of weapons to Israel, even if the country chooses to fund such purchases independently. The document, issued by the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project, has been distributed to all Democratic offices in Congress and is part of a broader effort to pressure lawmakers to adhere to existing legal obligations. The memo comes amid growing political and public scrutiny of U.S. arms sales to Israel, particularly in light of its actions in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Iran. The memo follows a significant development in mid-April when 40 senators voted to block certain arms transfers to Israel, marking the highest number of such votes in congressional history. However, the entire Republican Party and a small group of Democrats blocked the measure, preventing Congress from fulfilling its legal duty to restrict weapons shipments to Israel. This failure to act has intensified calls for lawmakers to prioritize domestic law over geopolitical alliances. One of the failed votes targeted the sale of bulldozers to Israel, which the Israeli government has used to demolish homes in the West Bank as part of its efforts to expand illegally occupied territories. The memo specifically notes that Israeli forces used a bulldozer to kill Rachel Corrie, a 23-year-old American peace activist, in 2003 while she protested against such demolitions. This incident has become a symbol of the broader human rights concerns tied to Israel’s military actions. The memo underscores a dramatic shift in public sentiment toward Israel, particularly among Democratic lawmakers, independents, and even some Republicans.#j_street #congressional_offices #democratic_offices #rep_alicia_ocasio_cortez
Israel policy looms over Illinois primary election amid Iran war Pro-Israel groups in the United States are investing heavily in Illinois primary elections to shape political outcomes amid growing public discontent with Israeli policies. The contests, held in the Midwestern state, are seen as a critical test of the influence of pro-Israel lobbying efforts in the Democratic Party, particularly as the U.S. and Israel continue their joint military actions against Iran. AIPAC, the major pro-Israel advocacy group, has spent over $13.7 million on the primaries, including through shadow political action committees that operate with limited transparency. These groups have endorsed candidates aligned with pro-Israel interests, while simultaneously targeting progressive candidates who criticize Israeli policies. AIPAC’s election arm, the United Democracy Project, has been central to these efforts, though its name avoids direct references to Israel. One of the most closely watched races involves Kat Abughazaleh, a 26-year-old progressive activist running for a Democratic congressional seat previously held by Jan Schakowsky. Abughazaleh has openly condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, labeling them a genocide, and faces competition from candidates like Daniel Biss, a centrist mayor backed by the liberal Zionist group J Street, and State Senator Laura Fine, seen as a pro-Israel candidate. AIPAC-linked groups initially supported Fine while attacking Biss, but recent strategies have shifted to focus on Abughazaleh, fearing past miscalculations in similar races. AIPAC’s influence extends to other races, including contests to fill seats left by retiring representatives. In one race, the group aims to defeat activist Kina Collins, while in another, it targets candidates like Melissa Conyears-Ervin and LaShawn Ford.#jan_schakowsky #kat_abughazaleh #laura_fine #aipac #j_street
