1. United States
2. Ill.
3. Letter

Israel's military occupation and systemic discrimination against Palestinians violates numerous fundamental human rights. Israeli forces frequently deploy excessive and lethal force against Palestinian civilians, including children. Demolitions of Palestinian homes and expansion of illegal settlements violate international law. The U.S., as Israel's primary military supplier, has immense leverage to pressure Israel to end these abuses through conditioning or withholding military aid and arms transfers. Instead of rewarding violations with an $8 billion arms deal, the U.S. should use its influence to demand Israel respects the human rights of Palestinians, ceases settlement expansion, and works toward a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict based on human rights and international law.