On August 1st, Congress voted another $225 million of subsidies to Israel for the “Iron Dome” project. This subsidy is on top of the regular $3.1 billion in military aid sent to Israel by Congress, supported by Barbara Lee. Sadly, Lee did NOT join 8 congressmembers, including progressive Keith Ellison, in voting to oppose this measure, coming as it did in the midst of this slaughter in Gaza. There was not even a debate. Evidently, Lee felt compelled, by the increasing activism in her district and beyond to defend her vote.
Barbara Lee’s letter is reproduced in its entirety below. I then will examine what it says, and more importantly, what it does not say to address the issue of military aid to Israel.
Letter from Barbara Lee on August 7th, 2014 in full:
Thank you for contacting me to express your concern regarding the escalating crisis.. I appreciate your input on this matter.
Last week, I cast a vote in support of Iron Dome, which is a defensive anti-rocket missile system that saves civilian lives.
I would not have supported funding for offensive military weapons in the midst of this horrific crisis. I continue to mourn the tragic loss of innocent lives in Gaza and Israel.
I have called and will continue to call for a sustained ceasefire to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, end the blockade of Gaza and stop the loss of civilian lives.
All parties need to get back to negotiations that can lead us to a two state solution.
You may also be interested in an earlier statement on the topic: http://lee.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congresswoman-lee-expresses-concern-over-escalating-crisis-in-the-middle
As a longtime advocate for global peace and security and international cooperation, I will continue to work towards policies that reduce conflict, end war and address the root causes of violence.
Thank you again for contacting me. Please visit my website www.lee.house.gov where you can also sign up for my electronic newsletter, and receive periodic updates on my activities as your Representative in Washington.
Sincerely,
Barbara Lee
Member of Congress
We can claim credit for this rapid response to what Lee now knows was a controversial vote in Congress. Usually most votes for aid to Israel are not controversial at all, but because of our activism and public protest, Lee was aware of the potential backlash. Sadly, it was totally inadequate.
Lee says voting for this aid was for “a defensive anti-rocket missile system that saves civilian lives.” What Lee leaves out is that new parts were necessary because Israel launched a ruthless attack on Gaza for already three weeks, has imposed a military blockade for 7 years meant to keep all civilians near-starvation, and has had a program of displacement of Palestinians and their oppression for 66 years. Naturally there was a response from Gaza. Further, this Iron Dome system may, or may not, save some civilian lives, but it is certainly limited to saving only Israeli lives, no such system is offered to UN Schools or other civilian infrastructure in Gaza that are routinely targets of the Israeli military. Over 400 children have died in Gaza. Perhaps it is time to let Israeli taxpayers bear the burden of their own defense.
“I would not have supported funding for offensive military weapons in the midst of this horrific crisis.” A positive statement, but it has a loophole a mile-wide. The fact remains that Lee is committed to supporting “robust aid to Israel”. Does the above statement retract that commitment, or does it mean that Lee does not support funding of “offensive military weapons” to Israel only while it is actively attacking Gaza? Tragically, I think when Israel is finally finished bombing Gaza, Israel may count on Congress and Lee to replenish its supply of offensive weapons soon enough ready for some future attack. There is nothing in this letter to suggest otherwise.
Lee “continue[s] to mourn the tragic loss of innocent lives in Gaza and Israel.” We all do. However, this was not some natural disaster. This was a decision by the Israeli government to launch a brutal attack on the people of Gaza, and a decision by the US government, both the Obama administration and the whole of the US Congress, to give its full support. Barbara Lee has not yet said anything about her support for a resolution in Congress on July 11th, supporting Netanyahu’s decision to attack Gaza.
“I have called and will continue to call for a sustained ceasefire to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, end the blockade of Gaza and stop the loss of civilian lives.” It is vital that more congressmembers support ending the blockade, this is the most welcome part of the letter. Lee has said this before. She did so in 2009 and reiterated in a letter to President Obama in 2010.
We believe that nothing will come of these concerns as Barbara Lee and Congress does nothing to hold Israel accountable for its crimes against the Palestinian people. What we have witnessed in the last month is a catastrophic attack on Palestinians and terrible crimes against humanity. Yet Barbara Lee believes all she can do is to send concerns and condolences along with new military equipment to Israel, and that will be sufficient. Where is the call for accountability? When do we finally say enough of military aid to Israel?
Please continue to call Lee’s office and if not in her district to call your congressmember’s office to demand an end to unconditional military aid to Israel. Please tell others about this petition www.tinyurl.com/LeeStopMilitaryAid and this campaign to end Lee’s blank check to Netanyahu’s endless war.
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