As the death tolls from the U.S.-backed Israeli assaults on Gaza and Lebanon rise, House Democrats are urging the Biden administration to hold Israel accountable for human rights violations. Democratic lawmakers Jim McGovern, Barbara Lee, Betty McCollum, Mark Pocan, and Joaquin Castro have expressed concern over the lack of enforcement of the Leahy Law, which prohibits U.S. military aid to foreign security forces committing gross human rights violations.
The lawmakers called on Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin to apply the law and prevent Israeli military units accused of violations from receiving U.S. assistance. They emphasized the need for compliance with U.S. law in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon, and elsewhere, citing reports of abuses by Israeli security forces.
With Israel facing a genocide trial at the International Court of Justice and escalating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, the Biden administration’s continued military aid to Israel has drawn scrutiny. The lawmakers highlighted cases of human rights violations against U.S. citizens by Israeli forces, urging enforcement of the Leahy Law to prevent complicity in abuses.
They concluded by calling for justice for victims of Israeli violence and reminding that past U.S. administrations have supported regimes responsible for genocidal acts, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights standards.
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