Smart Brevity™ count: 3 mins...804 words
Friend of Israel,
This week, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN)
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introduced a bill that would add conditions on aid to Israel, undermine U.S. interests and make peace less likely.
- We agree with President Joe Biden: Cuts or additional conditions on aid to Israel would be "irresponsible," "outrageous," and a "gigantic mistake."
The big picture: Rep. McCollum's bill is both unnecessary and redundant. Current law already establishes reasonable conditions for aid to Israel and every other nation.
The way forward: Congress must reject Rep. McCollum's attempt to reverse this long-standing bipartisan policy.
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Full U.S. security assistance to Israel helps ensure the Jewish state can defend itself against evolving threats and advance American interests.
Through AIPAC: Year over year, you help lobby Congress to support U.S. security assistance and oppose any new cuts or restrictions.
- Take action:
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Urge your representative to sign an important bipartisan letter—led by Reps. Ted Deutch and Michael McCaul—supporting this vital investment.
Below are more key news items from the week.
Brian Shankman
Director of Regional Affairs and Development
Iran Continues to Up the Ante: Important Developments
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READ AN AIPAC MEMO HERE
This week, there are four important news items on Iran.
1. Iran
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informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of plans to start enriching uranium to 60 percent. This action brings Tehran significantly closer to nuclear weapons capability.
2. Iran's Natanz underground nuclear site suffered a
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critical power failure on Sunday, causing extensive damage to the regime's main uranium enrichment facility.
3. Iran
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attacked an Israeli-owned cargo vessel sailing off the coast of the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday. The ship only sustained minor damages from the attack—likely caused by a missile or drone.
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This is the third time this year that Iran has attacked an Israeli commercial ship in international waters.
The United States and Israel continued
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strategic talks on Iran this week, amid increasing concerns over Iran's nuclear escalations and ongoing indirect talks in Vienna.
The way forward: While seeking a diplomatic path, the United States must not succumb to Iran’s nuclear extortion. Iran is attempting to gain sanctions relief through blackmail, but the Biden administration must hold firm.
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Share an AIPAC Facebook post.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP
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It is through the generosity of our members that AIPAC works to help make Israel more secure by ensuring a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
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SUPPORT AIPAC TODAY
New U.S. Intelligence Report Highlights Iranian Threat
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READ AN AIPAC MEMO HERE
The U.S. Intelligence Community just released its annual report, outlining the comprehensive nature of the threat posed by Iran.
What it is: The
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Annual Threat Assessment is an unclassified report that U.S. intelligence leaders send to Congress outlining “the most direct, serious threats” to America.
What it says: The report includes an entire section on the rogue regime.
- On attacking Americans: “We assess that Iran remains interested in developing networks [to attack Americans] inside the United States—an objective it has pursued for more than a decade.”
- On cyberattacks: “Iran’s expertise and willingness to conduct aggressive cyber operations make it a significant threat to the security of US and allied networks and data.”
- On the growing threat: “Iran’s diverse military capabilities and its hybrid approach to warfare—using both conventional and unconventional capabilities—will continue to pose a threat to the U.S. and allied interests in the region for the foreseeable future.”
Why it matters: For decades, AIPAC has worked tirelessly to educate Congress on the threat posed by Iran, and to lobby lawmakers to utilize sanctions and strengthen U.S.-Israel cooperation to address the threat.
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Share an AIPAC Facebook post.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin Visits Israel
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READ MORE HERE
Last weekend, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin arrived in Israel to meet with his Israeli counterparts to discuss the challenges facing both nations and deepen U.S.-Israel defense coordination.
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“Our commitment to Israel is enduring, and it is ironclad. And I pledge to continue close consultations in order to ensure Israel's qualitative military edge and to strengthen Israel's security,” Secretary Austin said.
Why it matters: This was the first trip to Israel by a senior Biden administration official and the administration’s first formal cabinet-level visit to the Middle East.
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The visit also came amid increasing Iranian nuclear and regional escalations, which threaten the security of Americans and Israelis.
The big picture: A strong U.S.-Israel partnership helps keep both countries safer, stronger and better prepared for future challenges
Yom Ha'aztmaut 2021: Celebrating Israeli Independence
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READ MORE HERE
Israelis across the country celebrated 73 years of Israeli independence this week.
In the United States, landmarks across the country lit up in blue and white to celebrate.
Israel’s values, ingenuity, innovation and mutually beneficial partnership with the United States help create a brighter future for Americans and Israelis alike.
Officials from around the world also commemorated the day:
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Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State: "Our commitment to Israel's security is ironclad, and we look forward to strengthening all aspects of our partnership."
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Juan Orlando Hernández, President of Honduras: "Honduras congratulates the State of Israel for the celebration of their 73rd anniversary ... Strong ties of friendship, solidarity and cooperation unite our people."
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The UAE Embassy in Israel: "The UAE Embassy in Israel wishes the people of Israel a happy 73rd Independence Day. Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach!"
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The mission of AIPAC is to strengthen and expand the U.S.-Israel relationship in ways that enhance the security of the United States and Israel.
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