In a column for Haaretz, New York City comptroller Brad Lander advocated for the Biden administration to reconsider the $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel unless it respects human rights and halts settlement expansion in Palestinian territories. Lander emphasized that unconditional support for Israel, particularly under Netanyahu's government, contradicts democratic values. He argued for a reevaluation of U.S. foreign policy, suggesting that consequences are needed when democratic principles are undermined, as the situation in Israel evolves.
Biden and [Secretary of State Antony] Blinken need to recognize that times have changed. The Democratic Party cannot continue toeing the AIPAC [American Israel Public Affairs Committee] line.
If our goal is to support Israel as the Middle East's only Democracy, then that support must be tied to following the rules, respecting rights, and acting democratically.
The nearly $4 billion of American military aid to Israel cannot fund [Israeli Prime Minister] Bibi [Netanyahu], [National Security Minister Itamar] Ben-Gvir and [Finance Minister Bezalel Yoel] Smotrich's erosion of democratic institutions.
Standing up for democracy, human rights and international law is the only place to start. It's a big part of what motivated American society.
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