Hey, all.
I just read an infuriating Pro Publica piece about Secretary of State Blinken’s refusal to withhold funds for certain Israeli military units over human rights abuses they’ve committed. Sorry to rile you up, but read it if you get a chance. I think it really deserves a phone call, so I’ll be making some to my reps tomorrow morning.
If you, too, find it upsetting I hope you’ll call, too.
The script (I’ve made it into a Resistbot letter, too, which you can send by texting SIGN PLLLRS to 50409) is:
I’ve just learned from Pro Publica that “a special State Department panel recommended months ago that Secretary of State Blinken disqualify multiple Israeli military and police units from receiving U.S. aid after reviewing allegations that they committed serious human rights abuses.” But Blinken has failed to act on the proposal. This in the face of growing international criticism of the Israeli military’s conduct in Gaza.
I’m livid about this. We cannot keep sending unconditional military aid to anyone, regardless of whom, if they are committing human rights abuses. We have Leahy laws to prevent it, and they are not being enforced here. It’s unacceptable.
The U.S. government needs to stop giving the Israeli government a blank check. Israel has a right to defend itself, of course, but the abuses described in Pro Publica’s report can’t be defined as self defense under anyone’s definition of the term. They’re abhorrent and our tax dollars mustn’t be spent on them. Thanks.
OK. More soon, all.
Jess
Thank you Jess. Done.
Thank you, Jess. Done.