Sen. Patrick Leahy Wants to Cut Aid to Israeli Defense Forces on Grounds of ‘Human Rights Violations’
- Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:17pm by
Tiffany Gabbay
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While Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy arguably sits on the left side of the political spectrum, he has reportedly enjoyed close friendships with former Israeli prime ministers including Yitzhak Rabin and more recently, Ehud Barak. So what possessed Senator Leahy — who heads the Senate Appropriations Committee’s sub-committee on foreign operations – to promote a bill that intends to suspend U.S. assistance to three units in the Israeli Defense Forces on the grounds they are engaged in human rights abuses in Judea, Samaria and Gaza?
Leahy’s legislation would seek to withhold assistance from the Israeli Navy’s Shayetet 13 unit, the undercover Duvdevan unit and the Israeli Air Force’s Shaldag unit.
According to Haaretz, a senior Israeli official in Jerusalem said Leahy began pushing the bill in recent months after allegedly being approached by pro-Palestinian constituents in his home state of Vermont. Then a few months ago, another pro-Palestinian activist group protested in front of Leahy’s office demanding he denounce Shayetet 13 for allegedly killing nine Turkish activists who were part of the original Gaza-bound flotilla last May. However, the flotilla was reportedly stocked with weapons intended to be smuggled into Gaza and to be used against IDF officers once they boarded the ship for a routine search. It also seems to be left out of Leahy’s narrative that the nine pro-Palestinian activists killed were far from peace-keepers, provoking Israeli officers by ambushing them once they boarded the ship.
And perhaps most disconcerting is that the type of legislation Leahy is endorsing, has previously been reserved for countries such as Egypt, Pakistan and Jordan. Haaretz adds:
Leahy says these units are responsible for harming innocent Palestinian civilians and that no system of investigation is in place to ensure that their members are not committing human rights violations. According to Leahy’s proposal, U.S. military assistance to Israel would be subject to the same restrictions that apply to countries such as Egypt, Pakistan and Jordan.
But Barak, along with the Israeli Embassy in Washington, have been attempting to persuade Leahy to back down from his new plan, to no avail. Still, Barak reportedly remains cautiously hopeful that, in explaining the situation on the ground as it really is, he may have gotten through to his long-time friend:
Barak, who met with Leahy privately, was quoted by the senior Israeli official as telling the senator: “The difference between Israel and terror groups or other countries in the Middle East is that we give an accounting and there is monitoring.”
Barak also said the IDF had a strict judiciary with broader powers than the judiciary in the United States armed forces.
Barak was also quoted as telling Leahy that the IDF military advocate general is not subservient to the military command, but rather to the attorney general, and has complete autonomy.
“If a Palestinian is injured, he can approach the High Court of Justice,” Barak said. “The investigations undergo judicial review that is independent of commanders. There are dozens of hearings every year that are based on Palestinians’ complaints against soldiers. They reach the highest and most independent authorities,” he said.
According to a senior Israeli official, Leahy understood Barak’s message and the Israeli Embassy in Washington is keeping a close eye on the matter. And while it is still unknown to the public whether Leahy will withdraw the legislation that is slated for 2012, the official alleges that Israel does know if Leahy has or will do so. Haaretz adds that if necessary, Barak is prepared to hold another talk with Leahy in an effort to convince the Vermont senator to change his mind.
What still remains to be seen is just how many of Leahy’s constituents are pro-Palestinian. One would assume it would have to be sizable for him to entertain such a one-sided piece of legislation. Or, is Leahy perhaps acting alone, without any external influence from pro-Palestinian activists?
InfoLive provides a report:
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Comments (194)
VA firebrand
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:09pmAnyone that supports Israel is on God‘s ’good list’.
Report Post »Better be on that than be popular with anyone else.
bhelmet
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:08pmFunding SHOULD stop – however, not on those grounds.
Report Post »Mahakala
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:14pmNo it shouldn’t.
Report Post »SacredHonor1776
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:21pmRon Paul also wants to stop funding to Israel and let them fend for themselves (we will take no sides).
We like that right?
Report Post »HairRazor
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:29pmNo it shouldn’t. Leahy is now openly showing his true nature.. anti-American.. as with most dems.
Report Post »boogeo
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 11:06pmIt should stop. I am tired of giving to this charity.
Report Post »garbagecanlogic
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:06pmWhy is it that Leahy reminds me of Bozo The Clown? Oh yeah! He acts like one.
Report Post »I.Gaspar
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:31pmHey!
Report Post »Don’t insult Bozo.
charles1123
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:05pmIsrael??? don’t be fooled by the name, Edom is the counterfeit, no Israel there. Only Edomite pretending to be Israel. Aye Essau
Report Post »LinkedIn G
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:04pmDoes anybody on here go to a link posted ?
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:00pmThis begs the question, why are so many Jews aligned with the Democrats? As Limbaugh says, “They are liberals first.”
Report Post »LinkedIn G
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:55pmTo quote Netanyahu…Not Gonna Happen…
Report Post »NHABE64
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:51pmOkay, I guess we can add Leahy to the list of traitors and socialist cockroaches. What a piece of work this creep must be, I can’t wait until we can get rid of unpatriotic cowards like this.
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:49pmTower7fema whatever,,, God forgive you for your stupidity!!
Report Post »blowback
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:48pmZionist Israel is the Nazi Germany of our time. Israel’s policies regarding Palestinians are the same policies that Germany had regarding the Jews. If it is wrong for one, it must be wrong for the other. America has lost its moral authority by supporting the brother of 1935 Germany, Zionism. If you doubt, simply read the words of its founder, Theodor Herzl.
Report Post »LinkedIn G
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:59pmThat’s just dumb.
Report Post »blowback
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:04pmIt may be dumb, but it is also true!
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:14pmIf it were true they would loading up the Palestinians into cattle cars to be vaporized. You are a tool. If they were like Nazi Germany they would be conquering their neighbors, and getting bigger. Arabs attacked Israel and got their *** handed to them, they lost territory…too bad for them. They should move on and establish their own country and quit attacking Israel.
Report Post »palerider54
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:19pm@blowback, as you are wailing and nashing your teeth in the eternal fires where the worm does not die,
do not expect Hittler, or any of the palistinian monkey worshipers to pat you on the back and say well done, servant of Satan.
Report Post »blowback
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:24pmHidden Lion, Israel is getting bigger. Like Nazi Germany they have taken the land, homes, and property of another people. Like Nazi Germany, they have placed those people into ghettos/camps. Like Nazi Germany, they have walled in those ghettos/camps. Like Nazi Germany, they require these other people to pass through checkpoints that Jews are not required to pass through. And, fact is, Israel would not be here were it not for the unconditional support of America.
Report Post »blowback
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:28pmPaleRider, I despised Hitler for his acts and beliefs, just as I despise Israel for doing the same. It is you who must answer for the double standard. It is you that will be judged for supporting the same atrocities as the Hitler that you apparently despise. You are inconsistent.
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 11:50pmReally now, who told you about Hitler ? Did you go to school in Mexico ?
Report Post »And the comparison to Israelites. That’s a stretch.
But don’t stop trying to be smart sounding. Trying is what matters most in cases like yours.
TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:48pmSome strong bitterness on this thread. Wow!
Report Post »Shasta
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 6:30amThere is a lot of bitterness on all the threads. This country is getting really angry, on both sides.
Report Post »abbygirl1994
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:48pmStupid man Leahy… how about instead we stop supporting all the countries who hate us.. And help the one allies we have in the Middle East. This evil man needs to be replaced next November. First of all I hope that congress would never allow this to happen. Hay GOP, tell Leahy to stick it up his arse. DO NOT give this guy a voice! his househole stands with Israel and America.. and to Leahy’s constituents… call this so called Senator and tell him to stop this insidious hatred..
Report Post »MODEL82A1
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:47pmNo, Adolph, CROW isn’t doing anything but pimping another website. You Bilderberg, NWO nutjobs need to stop interrupting the grown-ups’ conversations.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:46pmNicely don, DARMOK.
Report Post »EqualJustice
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:46pmMY God! We send BILLIONS to Pakistan and Afghanistan and so many other countries who HATE US! I say cut all foreign aid EXCEPT ISRAEL. We need them for our OWN DEFENSE against the RADICAL MUSLIM TERRORISTS. They are the REAL threat. How can anyone forget 9.11???
Report Post »GeorgieJo
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:52pmDOES anyone KNOW Leahy’s IQ?
He is DUMB as a ROCK
Leahy is a GREAT reason NOT to SPEND MY MONEY in VERMONT
Report Post »Go crawl UNDER a Socialistic ROCK—-You Doofus!!!
GeorgieJo
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:16pmoh I forgot
I STAND with ISRAEL!!!!!
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:46pmAlright, I don‘t buy Patrick Leahy’s claim of Israel exercising human rights violations, but I think he does have a point about withholding aid from Israel’s defense forces. It’s way past time that we allowed Israel to sort out her affairs by herself.
Report Post »hidden_lion
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:16pmWe send them aid so they wont defend themselves as strongly as they would like. It is leverage. I agree we should stop funding everyone, but let Israel do what they must to survive.
Report Post »palerider54
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:25pmThe more you side against Israel, the more grease you put on the slide of America falling out of Gods Grace.
Do you really think that a bunch of farmers defeated the British who were the greatest military force on earth at the time, because we were just lucky?
America is not great because of our wealth, (which comes from God) not because of our mighty military, but because we, in the past, honored God and protected his chosen people.
Report Post »Okie from Muskogee
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 1:45am@PaleRider
When did the founders protect Israel? They did not. Were they Christian? Yes most. God gave the persecuted Christians a land to worship, like a wilderness to themselves that has since been swallowed from a flood of people not believing. We are now a beast. The founders honored the base, Mosaic Law (Judaism) as well as it’s Messiah Jesus Christ.
Secondly, since the inception of Israel by the World government UN, the US has declined in prosperity, became socialistic and moved father from God. The opposite would have occurred had we been blessed for “supporting” physical Israel.
Suggesting we must stand with physical Israel is false and not a teaching of Jesus Christ.
Standing with physical Israel has no part in my salvation, does it yours?
I stand with Jesus Christ!!!
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:45pmFree the Jews????
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:37pmBe careful Crow you are making sense and telling the truth
Report Post »that can be hazardous to your health
TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:35pmI’m all for dumping Saudi, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan(or as poser prez Obama calls it, POKISTON) but not Israel. Never!
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:48pmIsrael has a right to defend itself.
But we shouldn’t be sending ANYONE foreign aid.
Report Post »Ron_WA
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 11:54pmAgreed; Israel has the right to defend itself by any means possible but it doesn’t mean we must spill American blood & treasure to do it for them. Stand by them but not in front of them as their body-gaurd.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:31pmAdios, senator/SINator leahy! Bend over and kiss your arrogant, self–entitled backside GOODBYE!
You have taken on THE KING OF KINGS and HE takes no prisoners.
I stand with ISRAEL.
Report Post »I stand with the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
I stand humbly with my GOD and I will happily kick your arrogant self out of office. Count on it!
WILLIAM E.
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:29pmTime to retire Clown !! Hard to believe people voted you into office to begin with.
Report Post »Simonne
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 11:51amI’m from Vt & keep wondering the same thing.
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:28pmLeahy would have been right at home in Hitler’s Germany.
Report Post »blowback
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:56pmFact is, Zionism was at home in Nazi Germany. Fact is, Rabbi Weissmandel made it obvious that Zionism was at home in Nazi Germany. Fact is, Reb Moshe Shonfeld made it obvious that Zionism was at home in Nazi Germany. Fact is, Lenni Brenner made it obvious that Zionism was at home in Nazi Germany. Zionisn is today’s Nazism… that’s the fact!
Report Post »NWalters78
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 8:58amBlowback, you’re a pig, you know that? Why don’t you go gratify yourself with old death camp films? STFU you wackjob.
Report Post »Okie from Muskogee
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:28pmWhy are we funding Israel’s military to begin with? We should not be unless we can tell them what to do.
Let’s get this straight, we fund Israel’s military, as well as Egypt’s, Jordan’s, Saudi‘s and Pakistani’s. We are funding both Israel and her enemies!
Crystal clear: CUT ALL FOREIGN AID!!!!! WE ARE BROKE!!
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:10pm@Okie from Muskogee
Affirmative, we can’t keep doing this anymore. The dictators of the Middle East and Egypt are getting rich with all that foreign aid that we’re sending their countries and the people there are faring worse. No wonder why they hate us Americans.
Report Post »dscon
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:14pmcystal clear!….. cut all foriegn aid to our enemies ONLY!
Report Post »Rothdeman
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:15pmAs Ron Paul mentioned over the weekend, the United States gives more in foreign aide to enemies of Israel than Israel. The US claims to be a friend of Israel while funding her enemies. And not only that, the United States tries to undermine Israeli sovereignty(as we have been seeing more of as of late) because the US gives them money. i.e. We give you money therefore we can manipulate you, undermine you, ect. by the threat of taking away aide. And thus is the same with Israel’s enemies that DO NOT work!
ALL FOREIGN AIDE should be CUT!
Israel does not need the US‘s money or the US’s interference when defending her borders by any means they themselves deem necessary. And this ties into Ron Paul’s foreign policy overall and shows the flaws that neither establishment Republicans or Democrats want to acknowledge, thus they seek to lambaste Paul for speaking the truth to what both conservatives and liberals keep funding in Israel’s enemies and yet, so many want to claim they support Israel.
Report Post »Okie from Muskogee
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 1:03amIsrael can defend herself and decide her own future. Israel does not our aid unless Israel wants to be a 51st state or a loan. When aid is given we tend to think we can tell that country what to do. We definitely shouldn’t be funding both sides or propping up countries.
I wonder how much American taxpayer aid is used to build mosques around the world.
Report Post »TRONINTHEMORNING
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:26pmYeah, that’s the ticket, Pat! Let’s pretend Israel is the problem and make them pay! You are a creepy little guy and have worn out your welcome in our government. Get out, tool!
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:35pmCharge the assault victom for illegal bleeding, make the victom clean the rapist clothes because he got muddy committing the crime. The good senator should have to go visit the home of the family that was slaughtered a few months ago, according to Glenn, the blood didn’t clean up off the walls and floor. But the poor palestinians were just pushed to commiting the crime. They were abused as children, I guess they don’t have high speed internet either, maybe if they were busy watching nudie flicks, they wouldn’t be so violent.
Report Post »teapartyconservatism
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:26pmOur enemy is religiously motivated. We can keep killing them as if the war is a continuation of the crusades, but it’s exceedingly costly and difficult if not impossible, for militarism to kill a religion.
Angel Gabriel, God’s messenger who appeared to the Virgin Mary, is revered in Islam for imparting the Koran to Muhammad in 610 AD. Islam however, has yet to undergo a modern reformation. A revised Koran would no doubt reinforce timeless universal religious tenets of tolerance and peace, while removing outdated dictates sanctioning oppression and violence. Such dangerous obsolescence, metaphoric or not, can only misguide modern Muslims into misery and conflict.
Given it’s origin, the Koran should be similarly modernized as the New Testament was by Christians, so Muslims might live a better life of enlightened reverence for peace and service, not servitude. A revised Koran, once globally distributed, would encourage a peaceful spiritual life resplendent with prosperous positive purpose, as opposed to perpetuating intolerance, oppression and violence.
Devoutness must no longer be misconstrued to sanction oppression and violence, be it directed at one person, one group or an entire populace. Tyrannical insularity must be replaced by respect for humanity “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” as justly deserved and equally desired by all.
Report Post »Welcome Black Carter
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:37pmA revised koran would perhaps a more polite way to worship satan…
Report Post »fcbs46
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:40pmA nice speech but it has little or nothing to do with the Senator or the issue.
Report Post »HorseCrazy
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:43pm@ welcome black carter. just awesome making me laugh the truth can be so funny
Report Post »LinkedIn G
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:46pmMuslim terrorists want to wipe Israel off the map…therefore…we fund their defense…
Report Post »teapartyconservatism
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 9:57pm@fcbs46
Thank you. Granted it may seem more indirectly rather than directly related to Israel and American politics, but we are allies fighting the same enemy. Also, as you are no doubt aware, Glenn is is very interested in Israel. Perhaps to see a more direct relevance, imagine this was written from their point of view… or if you like, from there.
Report Post »teapartyconservatism
Posted on August 16, 2011 at 10:06pm@LinkedIn G
You got it G!
Report Post »Ron_WA
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 12:06amWow. Thanks. One of the few tolerant & insightful viewpoints I’ve read on this BLOG re this issue. It’s nice to hear some reason & understanding which tones down the rhetoric. I too do not think God wanted us to slaughter each other in His name. His word is divine; man’s interpretation is questionable at best.
Report Post »BUDDY LITTLE
Posted on August 17, 2011 at 1:07amThe KORAN IS NO more responsible for the hatred and violence of the Muslim ,Than the bible is for Israelis or Christians ?Most religious fanatics have not read their respective holy guide, if they can read at all? nor do they care !They are lead by their respective leaders as with any cult .They [followers] are told any interpretation of their respective holy book that achieves the goals of the leaders.These various holy books are scoured to find any verse or law that justifies the outpouring of the hatred and murderous desires of mans hart.There is no better justification or vindication of this evil than to kill for god?This is a natural act.It worked for the church with the Crusades and Suicide bombers for the Muslims .
Report Post »teapartyconservatism
Posted on August 19, 2011 at 4:04pm@Buddy Little
If as you say, it’s true that, “the Koran is not responsible for the hatred and violence of the Muslim” and “Most religious fanatics have not read their respective holy guide” but instead are lead by those that have, let us hope that is the case.
Given the past, present and predicted level of Muslim oppression and violence directly attributed to the teachings of the Koran, if readership were to increase, sadly so too would there be correlated increase in oppression and violence.
You might truly be surprised to learn how many people actually do read their respective Holy Book, believe what is tells them and not only take it to heart but translate that belief into action. It’s a sad commentary on humanity but more blood has been shed in the name of religion than for any other cause throughout the whole of history
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