On Monday a panel commissioned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released its final report on the status of settlements in the West Bank. The group decided that Israel’s presence in the West Bank does not constitute an “occupation” and therefore settlement activity does not violate international law.
The results are only recommendations at this stage, but nevertheless, they received harsh criticism from Israeli peace groups and much of the international community.
Churches for Middle East Peace provided an Action Alert that allows us to register our criticism with Secretary of State Clinton's office.
Tell Secretary Clinton to Say “No” to Legalizing Settlements
An Israeli Commission wants to make all settlements and outposts legal under Israeli Law.
Your action is needed to make sure U.S. opposition is strong and bold.
On Monday the U.S. State Department came out against the Levy Committee Report which, among other things, states there is no “occupation” by Israel of Palestinian Territories and recommends legalizing all existing settlements and outposts under Israeli law.
Acceptance of the report as policy by the Government of Israel would undermine years of international effort, including your’s and your church’s efforts, promote and secure a just, lasting, and comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As people of hope we cannot stand by while some people within the Israeli government attempt to legitimize activities that stand in the way of peace.
Please click the link and tell our Secretary of State to repudiate the Levy Report. You can modify the prepared message. I did, pointing out that American policy for eight administrations - under Democrats and Republicans - has been clear: Israeli settlement beyond the Green Line is illegal or illegitimate.
God bless you all.
-- -- --
To receive regular bulletins from Ann Hafften, sign up at my blog - A Texas Lutheran's Voice for Peace: http://www.voicesforpeace.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment