- United States
- Wash.
- Letter
The United States must end its complicity in the atrocities committed by Israel's extremist government against the Palestinian people. Sending more offensive weapons worth over $20 billion will only prolong the suffering and escalate the conflict further. The evidence clearly shows that American weapons have been used indiscriminately by Israel in violation of U.S. and international law, resulting in appalling civilian casualties, including women, children and the elderly. This is morally reprehensible and illegal under the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Export Control Act. Moreover, these arms sales undermine U.S. policy goals of pursuing a ceasefire, securing the release of hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. Instead of choosing diplomacy, Netanyahu's government has repeatedly escalated the violence to preserve its coalition, overseen illegal settlement expansion, and unleashed a wave of violence in the West Bank. The dramatic escalation in Lebanon only compounds the crisis. For moral, legal and strategic reasons, Congress must act to block these arms sales and uphold U.S. laws and policies. Cutting off the supply of offensive weaponry is crucial to pressuring Israel to de-escalate, stop the killing of civilians, and work towards a just resolution to this devastating conflict. The continued transfer of arms enables further atrocities and impedes the path to peace.