Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.
A poll released recently by the Brookings Institute shows that over half of Americans (46% of Republicans and 57% of Democrats) do not know what the Biden administration’s position is on the Israeli-Palestinian issue. Surprising? Not really. Because although the administration has a position on the issue, it does not have a solid policy, and definitely not the kind of vision-driven conflict-solving policy that past administrations had.
Based on private conversations and public statements by members of the Biden administration’s Middle East policy team, the administration’s policy on this issue partially stems from Israel’s policy, which can best be characterized as “conflict management” rather than conflict resolution.
Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.
Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived.
1. Bills,
Resolutions, Letters
2. Hearings
3. On the Record
FMEP Events:
NOTE: During August, the Round-Up will shift to a flexible schedule – as in, if there is something to report, there will be a Round-Up, but it may not always be on Fridays. And if there is little to report, the Round-Up may take a break. Thanks for your patience!
1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters
(OBSTRUCTING IRAN DIPLOMACY) H. Res. 1307: Introduced 7/29 by Schneider (D-IL) and Fleischmann (R-TN), “Committing to ensuring that Iran will never acquire a nuclear weapon and supporting the important work of the International Atomic Energy Agency in safeguarding nuclear material around the globe.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
(NO ARMS SALES TO SAUDI ARABIA) S. J. Res. 58: Introduced 8/4/22 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
(NO ARMS SALES TO UAE) S. J. Res. 59: Introduced 8/4/22 by Paul (R-KY), “A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of the proposed foreign military sale to the Government of the United Arab Emirates of certain defense articles and services.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Americans for Peace Now (APN) is deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip. We are pained by the carnage and suffering of innocent civilians. We urge both sides to stop the fighting and reach an immediate ceasefire.
While Israel has a right to defend itself and proactively fight terrorism, the timing of Israel's choice to initiate an arrest campaign in the West Bank followed by a bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip has predictably led to a renewed cycle of violence and the tragic death of Palestinian civilians. Israel's blockade restrictions on the Gaza Strip are hindering the ability of local hospitals to provide vital health services. In Israel, millions of Israeli citizens are spending sleepless nights in bomb shelters.
Americans for Peace Now (APN) is deeply saddened by Congressman Andy Levin's defeat last night in Michigan's Democratic Party's primary elections.
Congressman Levin has been a champion of policies aimed at advancing Israeli-Palestinian peace and has been unafraid to confront the harsh realities of Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Americans for Peace Now’s storytelling program, the Dove, was born more than five years ago as an effort to feature stories of people who personally experienced or witnessed the Israeli Palestinian conflict – stories that can offer inspiration and hope for peace.
The first Dove storytelling event was recorded as a live episode of our podcast, PeaceCast. It featured working journalists and former journalists who talked about their experience covering the conflict. Recorded at Busboys and Poets in Washington, Episode #8 of PeaceCast was a success, which prompted us to continue pushing the program.
Produced by the Foundation for Middle East Peace in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Legislative Round-Up was conceived.
1. Bills,
Resolutions, Letters
2. Hearings
3. On the Record
FMEP Events:
7/28/22: New edition of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast: Israeli Supreme Court Opens Door to “Legalized” Ethnic Cleansing Inside the Green Line — FMEP President Lara Friedman speaks with Dr. Lana Tatour about the recent Israeli Supreme Court decision that opens a legal path for the Israeli government to revoke citizenship of Palestinian citizens of Israel, and what this decision both reflects and demonstrates about the fragile status of Israel’s Palestinian citizens.
NOTE: During August, the Round-Up will shift to a flexible schedule – as in, if there is something to report, there will be a Round-Up, but it may not always be on Fridays. And if there is little to report, the Round-Up may take a break. Thanks for your patience!
1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters
(FY23 SFOPS – SENATE) S. 4662: Introduced 7/28/22 by Coons (D-VDE), the “A bill making appropriations for the Department of State, foreign operations, and related programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023, and for other purposes.” For full Middle East-related details of the bill (pdf) and the accompanying committee report (pdf), see my analysis here. Of special interest:
Yossi Alpher is an independent security analyst. He is the former director of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies at Tel Aviv University, a former senior official with the Mossad, and a former IDF intelligence officer. Views and positions expressed here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily represent APN's views and policy positions.
