Daily Archives: 29. März 2023


29.03.2023 - 20:19 [ s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com ]

Dear President Biden and Secretary Blinken,

(…)

As such, we call on your administration to promptly:
– Ensure U.S. taxpayer funds do not support projects in illegal settlements;
– Determine whether U.S.-origin defense articles have been used in violation of existing U.S. laws, including for a purpose not authorized by Section 4 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. § 2754) or to commit or support gross violations of human rights
by the Israeli government in violation of Section 502B(a)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. § 2304(a)(2)) and the U.S. „Leahy Laws,“ Section 620M of the Foreign Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. § 2378d and 10 U.S.C. § 362).

Furthermore, we call on your administration to ensure that all future foreign assistance to Israel, including weapons and equipment, is not used in support of gross violations of human rights, including by strengthening end-use monitoring and financial tracking. We ask that you respond with a detailed plan as to how the administration plans to achieve that goal.

29.03.2023 - 19:57 [ Haaretz ]

Progressive Democrats Plan to Make Strongest Statement Yet Against Netanyahu’s Far-right Government

The progressive lawmakers are further urging the Biden administration to ensure U.S. taxpayer funds are not supporting Israeli settlements projects, and to determine whether U.S. military aid is in violation of the Arms Export Control Act or the so-called “Leahy Laws.”

The Arms Export and Controls Act stipulates that U.S. weapons are sold only for legitimate self-defense, while the Leahy Law prohibits U.S. funding from being used to equip or train foreign military forces suspected of human rights abuses or war crimes.

29.03.2023 - 19:53 [ CNN ]

Zelensky invites Chinese leader to visit Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he wants to enagage directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

29.03.2023 - 17:12 [ Haaretz ]

Biden No Longer Buys Netanyahu‘s Lies, and Israel Will Pay the Price

There should be a critical distinction between Netanyahu and Israel. However, it is Israel that may ultimately pay the price for his antics. Anyone gloating at Netanyahu’s mishaps and misfortune is wrong. This is clear and tangible damage to the U.S.-Israel relationship, a pillar of Israel’s national security. It is reversible, yes, if Mr. Netanyahu is removed from the equation. But as long as he is Israel’s prime minister, things are likely to deteriorate.

29.03.2023 - 16:55 [ New York Times ]

U.S. Finalizes Deal to Give Israel $38 Billion in Military Aid

(Sept. 13, 2016)

The package represents a major commitment to Israel’s security in the waning months of Mr. Obama’s presidency after years of fractious relations with Mr. Netanyahu over issues like the Iran nuclear agreement. Mr. Netanyahu agreed to several concessions to cement the deal rather than gamble on winning better terms from the next president.

The package will provide an average of $3.8 billion a year over the next decade to Israel, …

29.03.2023 - 16:32 [ cbn.com ]

US Approves $4.8 Billion in Israeli Military Aid in Omnibus Spending Package

(03-11-2022)

The package included the Israel Relations Normalization Act, which seeks to support and expand the Abraham Accords – a series of peace agreements Israel signed with the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain and Sudan.

Additionally, the package includes $50 million in funding for the Middle East Peace Partnership Act, which promotes Israel-Palestinian dialogue programs and investment in Palestinian business development.

29.03.2023 - 16:10 [ theHill.com ]

Netanyahu hits back after Biden expresses alarm over judicial overhaul

Netanyahu tweeted Tuesday that he has known Biden for 40 years and appreciates his “longstanding commitment” to Israel. But he said Israel’s government will not make decisions based on external pressure from other countries.

“Israel is a sovereign country which makes its decisions by the will of its people and not based on pressures from abroad, including from the best of friends,” Netanyahu said.

29.03.2023 - 15:59 [ Yosef Yisrael / Nitter ]

Biden: „Like many strong supporters of Israel I‘m very concerned. I‘m concerned that they get this straight. They cannot continue down this road. Netanyahu won‘t be invited to the White House in the near term“

(28.03.2023)

29.03.2023 - 09:02 [ Haaretz ]

Netanyahu‘s Actions Make It Clear: This Is Just a Tactical Pause

Netanyahu is still a short distance away from achieving his primary goal, even if he is forced to stop due to the circumstances. His motives have remained in place. Over the longer term, he desperately needs to pass the legislation so that he can stabilize his government coalition and derail his current criminal trial.

29.03.2023 - 08:25 [ Jerusalem Post ]

Zelensky invites Xi to visit Ukraine – report

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has extended an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit, the Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

„We are ready to see him here,“ Zelensky told the news agency in an interview.