NJDC to Bush Administration: Nobody Knows Israel’s Security Needs Better Than Israel
Listed in: Israel, NJDC News, Press Releases
Washington, DC: Disagreeing with the security assessments of the government of Israel and the leadership of both of Israel's major parties, US Secretary of State Colin Powell on Sunday backed the Palestinian demand that Israel lift its security closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip -- a closure originally imposed to stem the tide of terrorism and violence in the region. According to the Associated Press (2/25/01), Powell "backed the Palestinian position that Israel must lift the security closure of the West Bank and Gaza Strip that has been in effect since the fighting broke out in late September." Another Associated Press article today added, "The constraints, which include a ban on Palestinian workers going to their jobs in Israel and the withholding of tax revenues, do nothing to improve the security situation, Powell said after a two-hour meeting with Yasser Arafat at his headquarters."
"It is unclear if Secretary Powell's comments stem from his inexperience or the inexperience of the Bush Administration in dealing with this part of the Middle East, but the very hallmark of America's strong, bipartisan relationship with Israel is the understanding that only Israel can understand what her security needs are," said Ira N. Forman, Executive Director of the National Jewish Democratic Council, in response. "Telling Israel and the entire world that this measure or that measure does not enhance Israel's own security -- especially during a time of siege and spiraling violence -- sets a terrible precedent in US-Israel relations. Both Israel's outgoing Labor Prime Minister, Ehud Barak, and Israel's incoming Likud Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, agree that these steps are necessary to protect Israel's citizenry at this time," Forman added.
"Publicly telling the world that Israel doesn't know her own security needs is not a good first step by the Bush Administration towards enhancing US-Israel relations."
