The controversial US representative from Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, recently released a statement concerning President Trump’s policy towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In her opinion, the relationship between the two heads of state does not make sense.
In a letter to the President, Rep. Omar made her position clear: “It is illogical that President Trump has remained silent when it comes to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attack on human rights and Palestinian rights.”
She went on to cite several examples of Netanyahu’s actions that have drawn the ire of the international community. Among them are the Prime Minister’s refusal to abide by United Nations resolutions concerning the control of West Bank settlements, support for a far-right extremist party, and obstacles to peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians.
While US policy towards Israeli settlements was traditionally two-state-neutral, President Trump shifted the US stance and declared he would accept any decision Israel made regarding its settlements and annexing the West Bank. As a result, the US is no longer considered an honest broker in the situation, and its relationship with Netanyahu raises serious questions about its commitment to international law and human rights.
Rep. Omar summarizes her criticism in a simple statement: “The Trump Administration’s sycophantic approach to Netanyahu has long been troubling, but the lack of consistency and accountability is even more of a concern.”
Ultimately, she believes “it is unacceptable that the Trump Administration has prioritized Netanyahu’s political interests over the human rights and security of Palestinians.”
She ends her letter with this: “It is time for the US to take a stance to uphold the values of democracy and human rights for all people — no matter their faith, ethnicity, or nationality.”
Given the chronic tension between Israel and Palestine, Omar’s call to action is certainly timely. Her letter serves as an important reminder that US policy needs to recognize the human rights of the Palestinians and remain consistent and neutral with respect to the conflict. Unless US policy does that, it will become increasingly difficult for any meaningful peace process to occur.