America should control US foreign policy, not Israel

Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | October 7, 2024 — October 7th, 2023, etched a decisive turning point in the Middle East's regional history that chartered our world toward a darker and deadlier place, foreshadowing the demise of America as a trusted and reliable superpower. The unfolding events have painted our television screens and social media channels with horrific imagery, difficult for many Americans to comprehend. Images circulated by U.S. media outlets are sanitized, failing to convey the full extent of the devastation and loss of life from military destruction against Palestinian civilians. 

For the innocent citizens of Gaza, the past year has emerged as a literal hell on earth. Following the attacks on October 7th, which resulted in 251 hostages taken and 1200 killed, the Israeli government responded with unprecedented and disproportionate violence upon the civilians of the Gaza Strip. This day further fueled Israel's mass incarceration of Palestinians, abducting hostages as the number of wrongfully detained surged. 

The spark that was October 7th spawned a genocide, killing 41,500 in Palestine, the majority of the dead being women and children. This immoral inferno was fueled and financed by the United States government. As leaders of conscience around the world condemned and defied Netanyahu’s war crimes, American politicians have enabled this runaway despot who threatens the region and the world with all-out war.

We understand the political corruption to which our elected officials are addicted. We know the Hasbara hacking that pro-Israel foreign agents exert in undermining our electoral process. Regardless, the cost of winning another term in office, or more aptly, the reading of scripts written by Zionist extremists to avoid political blackmail, is not worth the toll of human life that increases day by day, month by month, and now year by year. Our government’s behavior is a far cry from George Washington’s admonition to bar foreign governments from influencing domestic policies and politics.

The decisions made by key figures such as Jake Sullivan, Brett McGurk, John Kirby, and Antony Blinken have broader implications— affecting not only the regions directly involved but also influencing the global perception of the United States. The Biden Administration must be held accountable for enabling Israel’s Genocide. Such actions not only entangle the United States in an immoral position but also abandon our obligations under international law. It would be flagrant to deploy our troops into baseless wars that do not serve our national interest or uphold the principles of justice and peace. American military strength must be used judiciously, ensuring that any engagement abroad is rooted in clear legal justification and contributes to international peace. 

In light of Netanyahu's actions, which constitute clear violations of international law, MPAC calls on the Biden Administration to halt the provision of weapons and munitions to the Israeli Government. We urge this and future administrations to reclaim control of U.S. foreign policy, ensuring it aligns with our nation's values and commitment to human rights. We call on the United States Congress to act with unwavering common sense when assessing whether funding this genocide serves the best interests of our nation.

The Muslim Public Affairs Council rejects policymakers who would deploy American military personnel in support of Israeli aggression. We call on leadership to prioritize diplomatic solutions and adhere to international legal standards—an approach that will protect domestic interests and abide by the values that Americans hold dear.