By seeming to endorse unilateral Israeli annexations of Palestinian territory in the West Bank, the Trump administration is encouraging indefinite occupation and permanent conflict which will imperil Israeli democracy and trample on Palestinian rights.
Recently-introduced anti-annexation legislation gives the Senate a chance to push back.
TELL THE SENATE:
OPPOSE ANNEXATION
Dear friend,
The Trump administration is continuing to actively encourage the worst impulses of the Israeli far-right.
In his April election campaign, Prime Minister Netanyahu made an unprecedented pledge to begin annexing West Bank settlements in his next term. Despite international outcry following the annexation pledge, this month Ambassador David Friedman told the New York Times that the Israeli government had the “right” to annex parts of the West Bank.
This puts the Trump administration on record encouraging a course of action that violates international law, tramples on Palestinian rights and severely endangers Israel’s future as a democratic homeland for the Jewish people.
Today, Ameinu is joining with progressive pro-Israel groups including J-Street, Americans for Peace Now, the New Israel Fund, Partners for Progressive Israel and T’ruah to call on the Senate to stand up and draw a red line against annexation. Senate Resolution 234 reaffirms America’s commitment to a two-state solution and explicitly condemns annexation.[1]
The new Senate resolution, introduced by Senator Jeff Merkley (OR) and co-sponsored by leading pro-Israel, pro-peace voices including Elizabeth Warren (MA), Bernie Sanders (VT), Diane Feinstein (CA), Dick Durbin (IL), Tammy Duckworth (IL), Tammy Baldwin (WI) ,Tom Udall (NM) and Tina Smith (MN) will send a powerful message to Trump and Netanyahu.
And it couldn’t come at a more important time: With Netanyahu still desperately fighting to cling to power, and Trump determined to put his thumb on the scales, the risks of new steps which undermine Israeli democracy and deal fresh blows to the prospects for peace have never been higher.
If we can get broad support for the Senate resolution, it will make a strong statement that the United States continues to stand with the majority of Israelis and Palestinians in opposing annexation and supporting the need for a lasting, negotiated peace agreement.
Sincerely,
Brad Rothschild
Chair, Policy & Advocacy Committee
