The Case for Ending the U.S.-Israel Alliance Over Leahy Law Violations

I urge an immediate reassessment of U.S. military aid to Israel in light of credible evidence that Israeli forces have committed gross human rights violations (GHRVs) in Gaza and the West Bank. Under the 1997 Leahy Law, the U.S. is prohibited from providing military assistance to foreign forces involved in such crimes, yet billions in aid continue to flow to Israel despite clear violations. ISRAEL'S VIOLATIONS OF THE LEAHY LAW Reports from Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the UN confirm Israeli actions that meet the definition of GHRVs under U.S. law: - Mass Civilian Casualties: Israeli airstrikes have killed thousands, including children, journalists, and humanitarian workers—often using U.S.-supplied weapons. - Targeting Medical Facilities and Journalists: Attacks have destroyed hospitals, ambulances, and UN-run shelters. Clearly identified journalists have been killed—acts classified as war crimes. - Escalating Violence in the West Bank: Settler violence, backed by Israeli forces, has intensified. Even the U.S. State Department acknowledges these abuses, yet aid continues unchecked. PRECEDENTS FOR SUSPENDING MILITARY AID The U.S. has withheld military aid from other allies over human rights violations: - Indonesia (1999–2005): Aid was suspended over atrocities in East Timor. - El Salvador (1980s): U.S. assistance was cut after military massacres. - Egypt (2013): Aid was frozen after the military overthrew an elected government and killed protesters. If these cases warranted enforcement, why is Israel exempt? Selective application of the Leahy Law erodes its credibility and exposes U.S. hypocrisy. CONSEQUENCES OF IGNORING THE LAW Continued aid to Israel despite its violations: - Undermines U.S. Law: Failing to enforce the Leahy Law weakens legal standards. - Encourages War Crimes: Unconditional support emboldens Israel to act with impunity. - Damages U.S. Global Standing: American foreign policy appears morally inconsistent, fueling calls for ICC accountability. BENEFITS OF ENDING AID TO ISRAEL By enforcing the Leahy Law, the U.S. can: - Rebuild Credibility: Upholding human rights strengthens moral authority. - Enhance National Security: U.S. support for Israel fuels global anti-American sentiment. - Promote Peace: Cutting aid pressures Israel to pursue diplomacy over warfare. CONCLUSION The evidence is clear: Israeli forces have committed human rights abuses that violate U.S. law, yet military aid continues. If the U.S. truly stands for the rule of law and human rights, it must suspend aid to Israel, hold its government accountable, and support a just peace. Anything less makes the U.S. complicit in war crimes. Enforce U.S. Law – Suspend Military Aid to Israel Now!