1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The reported actions of Israel against Hezbollah raise grave concerns about violations of international humanitarian law. The use of explosives designed to blend into civilian equipment, as described, would constitute unlawful indiscriminate attacks under the Geneva Conventions. Such tactics risk escalating the conflict, causing civilian casualties, and destabilizing the region further. Even former CIA Director and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta accused Israel of engaging in "terrorism" over these attacks, labeling them as "a form of terrorism" that turns the conflict into "a war of terror." I urge you to condemn these actions in the strongest terms and immediately halt all military aid and arms sales to Israel. No nation should receive funding or arms transfers from American taxpayers while engaging in practices that so blatantly disregard civilian protections and the laws of war. A comprehensive review of the bilateral security relationship is warranted until Israel demonstrates its commitment to upholding international norms. Taking a firm stance against such unconscionable warfare tactics is critical not just for the people of Lebanon and the region, but to preserve the integrity of humanitarian law globally. Failing to hold Israel accountable would set a dangerous precedent, emboldening other actors to potentially adopt similar indiscriminate methods that put civilians at unacceptable risk.