A group of at least 90 lawyers, including 20 who work in the Biden administration, are urging President [Joe] Biden to cut off military aid to Israel because its slaughter in Gaza doesn’t comply with U.S. and international law.
The attorneys will make their case in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland that was obtained by POLITICO. They argue in the letter that Israel has violated the Arms Export Control Act, the Leahy Laws, and the Geneva Convention.
“The law is clear and aligned with the majority of Americans who believe the US should cease arms shipments to Israel until it stops its military operation in Gaza,” the letter reads, citing polling data that shows Biden voters support ending military aid to Israel.
The letter’s supporters include lawyers from the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Justice, Labor, and Energy. The letter is still being circulated, so the number of signatories could increase.
“This is a moment where the U.S. government is violating its own laws and policy,” a Justice Department staffer who signed the letter told POLITICO. Describing the dissent within the administration, the staffer said, “The administration may be seeing silence or only a handful of resignations, but they are really not aware of the magnitude of discontent and dissent among the rank and file.”
Under a new national security memorandum, Israel was required to provide assurances to the U.S. that it wouldn’t use U.S.-provided weapons to violate international law or block aid shipments into Gaza. Despite the massive civilian casualties in Gaza and the starvation blockade imposed on the Strip, the State Department said Israel’s assurances were enough and has until May 8 to submit a report to Congress.
This article was originally featured at Antiwar.com and is republished with permission.
