Despite Fundraiser’s Claims, Trump Would Not Strengthen Israel’s Future

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Benjy Cannon
on September 19, 2016

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Last week, our Israel office received a fundraising email from the GOP in Israel. It invited all Israelis to take part in the US political process by supporting the Republicans Abroad effort to elect Donald Trump as the next president of the United States. Here’s what it said:

Republicans Abroad Trump Ad

“For the first time in history the Republican party invites you, citizens of Israel, to take part in the US presidential campaign. Even if you don’t have a right to vote you can still sign up as a friend of the republican party in Israel for a one-time donation of 33 NIS [around $8]. As members you’ll be able to vote online for various campaign matters, take part in events with senior advisors and participate in the formation of the party’s foreign platform, which will be presented to the presented once he’s elected.”

A graphic attached to the email further encourages Israelis to contribute to the GOP by touting Trump as a candidate who will “make Israel stronger” and whose candidacy is “in the Israeli interest.”

In the same year that the GOP has walked away from a two-state solution, that’s an absurd claim.

Under the influence of Trump’s advisors, the GOP dropped language from its platform supporting a two-state solution. Trump has indicated that he would support unlimited settlement expansion. His team has made clear time and again that their closest allies in Israel are from the settlement movement.

Trump’s policies would force Israel to choose between its Jewish and democratic character, further isolate it in the eyes of the international community and undermine the prospects for peace. Abandoning a two-state solution will make Israel weaker and is certainly not in its interest, as former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, significant portions of the Israeli security establishment and US administrations from both parties have long made clear.

So to strengthen Israel and help advance its interests, we should do everything in our power to make sure Trump is never elected.