NJN Supports “Block the Bombs” Bill

New Jewish Narrative calls on members of Congress to support the “Block the Bombs” bill, legislation pending in the House of Representatives that creates a new review process for US arms sales to Israel. 

We have made the difficult decision to support this legislation only after careful consideration. NJN and our precursor organizations have always advocated for the United States to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge and have lobbied on behalf of U.S. military aid to Israel. And we back this bill knowing that the United States will continue to uphold Israeli security. Block the Bombs does not limit Israel’s ability to access defensive weapons, including the transfer of crucial air defense systems including Iron Dome, David's Sling, the Arrow and THAAD.

American military aid must be used in ways that are consistent with American policy and values. Sadly, writing a blank check to the current Israeli government is neither of those. Existing legal guardrails on our aid have been ignored. And the Israeli government has refused to put into place an exit strategy, repeatedly undermined ceasefire talks, and illegally limited the flow of humanitarian supplies. This dangerous behavior, which the US has failed to curb, has contributed to the astonishingly high death toll and the seemingly endless war that  we face today.

This observation does not in the slightest reduce Hamas’ culpability for starting this war and for attacking Israel from within Palestinian civilian areas. Hamas remains, as it should, on the US Foreign Terrorist Organization List. 

“America cannot and should not go on with business as usual while the Netanyahu government tramples on human rights,” said Hadar Susskind, President and CEO of New Jewish Narrative. “It’s hard for members of Congress to take this step. It was hard for us as well. That’s what leadership is.

“I am an IDF combat veteran. I put myself in the gunsights of Hezbollah fighters to defend Israel. I assure you that support for this bill does more for Israel’s defense than continuing to support Netanyahu’s endless war.”

About the Block the Bombs bill:

Block the Bombs, H.R. 3565, bans the sale of specific offensive weapons to Israel unless certain conditions are met. The weapons implicated would be:

1. BLU-109 bunker-busting bombs

2. MK80 series bomb variants

3. GBU-39 small diameter bomb variants (including Increment I)

4. Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) assemblies

5. SPICE gliding bomb assemblies

6. 120mm tank ammunition

7. 155mm artillery ammunition, including white phosphorus munitions

Only offensive weapons are impacted. Defensive systems are not impacted.

The bill allows transfers if both of the following are satisfied:

1. Legislation is enacted that clearly identifies the specific purpose(s) for which those weapons may be used — in line with the general purpose authorities (e.g. Foreign Military Sales Act).

2. Israel provides written assurances to the US President that the weapons will be used (a) only for the specified purposes, and (b) in compliance with:

1. US statutory laws like the Arms Export Control Act and Foreign Assistance Act;

2. Section 620M(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act (which deals with human rights);

3. International humanitarian law / international human rights law;

4. Any relevant bilateral agreements.