Despite protests against Israel’s attacks on Gaza in several Michigan communities, Democratic Sen. Carl Levin co-sponsored a non-binding resolution last week recognizing Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas by attacking Gaza.
The resolution stated that the U.S. “stands in solidarity with the Government of Israel as it takes necessary steps to provide security to its people; [and] remains committed to Israel’s right to self-defense and supports additional assistance from the United States to help Israel defend itself …”
Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow also voted in favor of the resolution which was promoted by the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) ‘America’s Pro-Israel Lobby.’
With the exception of Democratic Representatives John Dingell of Dearborn and Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick of Detroit who both voted “present,” Michigan’s entire congressional delegation approved a similar resolution.
At least 977 Palestinians, including many civilians and children and 13 Israelis have reportedly been killed over the last 19 days as Israel has bombarded the Gaza strip from the land, sea, and air in an effort to stop rocket fire by Palestinian militants.
On Monday the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution calling for a cease fire in Gaza. The U.S. abstained from the vote.
The Traverse City area group MidEast:JustPeace is a member of the U.S. Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation and is calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded access for humanitarian goods to enter Gaza. The group held a demonstration in Levin’s Traverse City office last week.
Marian Kromkowski, a spokesperson for MidEast:JustPeace, said in a statement:
“Israel ’s war on Gaza would not be possible without the direct and indirect aid provided by the United States. The U.S. through its 10 year/30 billion dollar military aid package directly provides F-16’s, Apache helicopters, missiles, fuel and other military armaments made by U.S. corporations to the Israel army. Indirectly the U.S. provides protection for Israel in the United Nations with its threat of a veto of measures that would effectively rein in Israel ’s collective punishment, in an absolutely disproportionate manner and in violation of international law, of a mostly civilian population in Gaza . We as Americans have a responsibility to speak out against such disastrous policies that have led to brutal attacks against the elected government of the Palestinian territories.”