Is America’s bond with Israel really worth billions in aid?
Israel continues to build illegal settlements in the occupied territories and east Jerusalem, despite opposition from the U.S. and most of the rest of the international community. It is time for the U.S. to dissociate itself from Israel’s inflammatory building and settlement plans by terminating all U.S. financial and military aid to Israel.

For too long, AIPAC and other pro-Israeli lobbying groups have exerted an inordinate influence on Congress. How long must we wait for Congress to develop the will and courage to stand up to the Israeli lobby and make decisions based on what is best for the U.S.? The tail has wagged the dog for far too long.

It is difficult to understand the rationale behind the oft-mentioned “unshakable bond” between the U.S. and Israel. Perhaps the nature of that bond is exemplified by the vicious Israeli attack on the USS Liberty in 19[6]7? Or perhaps its nature is clarified by recalling the Israeli attempts to steal U.S. secrets by Jonathon Pollard and others.

Maybe the bond is just a means to justify the billions of dollars in aid that we send to Israel each year and our uncritical support of virtually all Israeli actions and policies. It seems to be a bond that the U.S. might be better off without.

Robert Kribel
Auburn

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