Today, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) introduced the
Defend Israel by Defunding Foreign Aid Act of 2015, which prohibits assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA) until it withdraws its request to join the International Criminal Court (ICC):
“Palestinian President Mahmooud Abbas’ application to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) is an affront to all of those who have engaged for years in efforts to accomplish a peaceful resolution to the decades long Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The Palestinian Authority’s anticipated war crimes complaint against Israel will, in no uncertain terms, severely hinder future comprehensive peace talks in a time when the advancement of a two-state solution that ensures enduring peace has never been more important.
“For more than half a century, Israel has been America's most reliable strategic partner in the Middle East. It is essential that we remain supportive of Israel's absolute right to defend itself and protect its citizens. We cannot stand by while the Palestinian Authority, engaged in a unity government with Hamas, makes frivolous and damaging claims against Israel Defense Forces soldiers and Israeli citizens residing in settlements in the disputed West Bank. Congress must halt the $400 million American dollars sent annually to the Palestinian Authority until it withdraws its counterproductive request to join the International Criminal Court and returns to the negotiating table with Israel.”
Representative Hastings' bill is the companion bill to S. 34, which was introduced by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY).
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
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