A group of leading labor unions wrote to President Biden on Tuesday urging him to halt military aid to Israel as it continues its war on Hama in the Gaza Strip.
“We believe that a peaceful resolution to this conflict requires an immediate end to U.S. military assistance to the government of Israel.” letter Read.
Signatories include the United Auto Workers (UAW), the American Postal Workers Union (APWU), the International Union of Painter’s Association (IUPAT), the National Education Association (NEA), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) and the United Electrical Workers of America (UE).
In a press release on Tuesday, APWU President Mark Dimondstein said, “As this brutal war continues, the union is hearing the cries of humanity.”
“Workers and unions are horrified that our tax dollars are funding this ongoing tragedy,” Dimondstein continued. “We need a ceasefire now, and the best way to secure it is to end U.S. military aid to Israel.”
The letter comes as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu begins a visit to Washington this week. He is scheduled to address a joint session of Congress on Wednesday and meet with both President Biden and former President Trump on Thursday.
Netanyahu is facing calls for him to resign from Congress’ Democratic leadership over his handling of the war in Gaza and the current humanitarian crisis facing some two million Palestinians living in the territory, with some 40,000 people killed in the region since the war began.
The union letter also said Netanyahu has violated U.S. laws on foreign aid.
“Furthermore, Israel’s refusal to minimize civilian harm and restrictions on U.S. humanitarian assistance demand the suspension of U.S. military assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Control Export Act,” the letter from the unions stated.
“Mr. President, the time for decisive action to end this war is now,” the letter continues. “Ending U.S. military aid to Israel would be the quickest and surest way to do so, is required by U.S. law, and would demonstrate your commitment to ensuring a lasting peace in the region.”
The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.
