Write Your Senators: Don't Sign the AIPAC Letter

AIPAC is asking senators to sign a letter to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. The letter, which urges Rice to maintain and expand sanctions against the Palestinian Authority, is expected to be one of the central "asks" Tuesday, when AIPAC supporters come to the Hill in conjunction with the annual AIPAC policy conference. Senators Nelson (D-FL) and Ensign (R-NV) are circulating the letter.

The letter's key request of Secretary Rice, buried in the fifth paragraph, suggests a dangerous shift in U.S. policy:

"We urge you to continue to hold firm and insist that these very basic international principles do not change -- no direct aid and no contacts with any members of a Palestinian Authority that does not explicitly and unequivocally recognize Israel's right to exist, renounce terror, and accept previous agreements."

This cleverly-crafted "ask" is not about maintaining the current U.S. policy, but rather expanding it in a manner that is clearly inconsistent with the best interests of both Israel and the United States.

With this "ask," Senators will be on the record urging the Administration to cut off all contact with President Abbas and any other Fatah members (or independents) that become part of a future Palestinian national unity government. Once Members of Congress are "on record" with this demand, they will find it difficult to oppose efforts to turn this non-binding letter into law.

At a time when there is growing recognition in Congress that engagement -- even with imperfect or objectionable partners -- is vital to U.S. national security interests in the Middle East and around the world, it makes no sense for the Senate to urge a wholesale U.S. boycott of contacts with longtime Palestinian interlocutors who recognize Israel, reject violence and terror, and are clearly committed to trying to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace based on two states living side by side in peace and with security.

This is bad policy, in terms of the interests of both Israel and the U.S., and should be rejected, both in this letter and in any subsequent legislation that might follow.

Please contact your Senators. Urge them to refuse to sign this letter in its current form.

TAKE ACTION: Please write your Senators. Urge them to refuse to sign this letter in its current form.