AIPAC's analysis of current issues, policy and legislation.
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April 07, 2011
Justice Richard Goldstone has retracted the central claims of his controversial report that falsely accused Israel of targeting civilians during its Cast Lead military campaign in December 2008 and January 2009. The Goldstone Report claimed that Israel committed war crimes in Gaza as it targeted the Hamas terrorist organization. Goldstone's stunning reversal, in an April 2 Washington Post op-ed, also affirmed a key distinction between Israel and Hamas that the original report ignored: Whereas Hamas' rocket attacks deliberately and indiscriminately sought to murder civilians, Israel's campaign tirelessly strove to protect innocent life. America should lead efforts to press the U.N. Human Rights Council and General Assembly to repudiate the report and end all follow-up actions related to it.
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March 25, 2011
Israeli naval forces last week intercepted 50 tons of Iranian arms headed for Hamas and other Iranian-backed terrorist groups in Gaza. Terrorists in the coastal region have launched more than 140 mortars and rockets into Israel since January, and more than 80 since Sunday. This weapons-smuggling incident highlights Iran's ongoing violations of repeated U.N. Security Council resolutions. The United States should impose sanctions on companies that facilitate Iran's weapons dealing, which undermines peace efforts and is destabilizing the region.
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March 24, 2011
The March 23 Jerusalem bombing attack marks a key escalation in efforts by Palestinian terrorists, including those backed by Hamas and Iran, to increase violence against Israelis and undermine the chance for peace talks. Since the beginning of 2011, terrorists have launched more than 130 mortars and rockets at Israeli civilian targets and murdered five members of a sleeping family in the West Bank. Last week, Israeli naval forces intercepted 50 tons of Iranian arms destined for Hamas in Gaza, highlighting the need for increased measures to prevent Iran from arming its proxies. Israel remains committed to peace talks, but may be forced to take strong measures to defend its citizens against the mounting scourge of terrorism.
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March 24, 2011
The March 23 Jerusalem bombing attack marks a key escalation in efforts by Palestinian terrorists, including those backed by Hamas and Iran, to increase violence against Israelis and undermine the chance for peace talks. Since the beginning of 2011, terrorists have launched more than 130 mortars and rockets at Israeli civilian targets and murdered five members of a sleeping family in the West Bank. Last week, Israeli naval forces intercepted 50 tons of Iranian arms destined for Hamas in Gaza, highlighting the need for increased measures to prevent Iran from arming its proxies. Israel remains committed to peace talks, but may be forced to take strong measures to defend its citizens against the mounting scourge of terrorism.
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March 09, 2011
The Iranian regime continues to oppress its people and defy international demands that Tehran cease uranium enrichment. A new International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report warns that Iran could be on the brink of a major advance in its uranium enrichment efforts. Despite the turmoil elsewhere in the region, the United States must not lose its focus on Iran. Now is the time to impose increasingly severe sanctions on Iran to persuade Tehran to end its destructive nuclear policies and human rights abuses.
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March 09, 2011
The Lebanese parliament has selected the Hizballah-backed, pro-Syrian Najib Mikati as Lebanon's prime minister. Hizballah forced the collapse of the previous government for refusing to denounce the U.N. Special Tribunal investigating former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination. With Hizballah's handpicked candidate now in the lead, the terrorist group may dominate the new government.The United States should carefully reevaluate the wisdom of continued assistance to Lebanon at this delicate moment.
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March 09, 2011
Given the continuing turmoil in the Middle East, the United States must keep its commitment to Israel's security by fully funding pledged aid for fiscal years 2011 and 2012. Dramatic events in the Middle East underscore both the fragility of Israel's security situation and Israel's importance as the region's sole stable, pro-Western democracy.
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March 09, 2011
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have stalled because Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas has refused to meet with Israeli leaders since September 2010. Instead, Abbas has traveled the world seeking recognition of a Palestinian state and sought to isolate Israel. Abbas' circumventions will bring neither peace nor a Palestinian state; direct talks are needed for that. America should continue its long-standing support for negotiations to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and oppose harmful unilateral efforts.
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March 09, 2011
The Lebanese parliament has selected the Hizballah-backed, pro-Syrian Najib Mikati as Lebanon's prime minister. Hizballah forced the collapse of the previous government for refusing to denounce the U.N. Special Tribunal investigating former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination. With Hizballah's handpicked candidate now in the lead, the terrorist group may dominate the new government.The United States should carefully reevaluate the wisdom of continued assistance to Lebanon at this delicate moment.
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March 09, 2011
The United States faces extraordinary challenges to its preeminence in today's world. Our nation faces threats to its security and economic well-being. American military leaders repeatedly warn that we cannot meet these challenges through costly military force alone. U.S. leadership in the world today also depends on a robust foreign aid program that supports key allies like Israel and helps preserve America's safety, security and prosperity.
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March 09, 2011
As Egyptians continue to seek democratic change and political freedom, they should ensure that extremist forces do not hijack the process. Egyptians should create pluralistic and democratic institutions that reject violence. America should help Egypt in this effort, while also continuing to urge Egypt to maintain its commitments to peace with Israel and nonproliferation as well as its opposition to Islamic radicalism and Iran.
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February 25, 2011
America's Partner
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February 25, 2011
America's Partner - Israeli Medical Innovations
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February 24, 2011
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee's (AIPAC) Briefing Book is designed specifically as a resource for members of Congress and their staffs. It examines key aspects of the U.S.-Israel relationship and highlights challenges for U.S. Middle East policy facing Congress this year.
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February 22, 2011
Congressional Statements Calling for Veto of U.N. Resolution Condemning Israel