Fifteen leaders of US churches and other faith-based organizations have asked Congress to reevaluate US military aid to Israel. The religious leaders sent a letter to Congress members on Monday, calling for an investigation into possible violations by Israel of the US Foreign Assistance Act and the US Arms Export Control Act, which would make Israel ineligible for US military aid.
"As Christian leaders in the United States, it is our moral responsibility to question the continuation of unconditional US financial assistance to the government of Israel. Realizing a just and lasting peace will require this accountability, as continued US military assistance to Israel -- offered without conditions or accountability -- will only serve to sustain the status quo and Israel’s military occupation of the Palestinian territories," the letter, signed by leaders of the Lutheran, Methodist, UCC churches, and the National Council of Churches, said.
"We request, therefore, that Congress hold Israel accountable to these standards by making the disbursement of US military assistance to Israel contingent on the Israeli government’s compliance with applicable US laws and policies."
"We write to you as Christian leaders representing US churches and religious organizations committed to seeking a just peace for Israelis and Palestinians," the letter said, adding that the organizations have "worked alongside our Palestinian Christian sisters and brothers to help build a peaceful and resilient Palestinian civil society." The signatories said they were writing to Congress "to express our grave concern about the deteriorating conditions in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories."
