DNC advances final platform version, Israel related draft stays unchanged
The committee rejected a suggested amendment to condition US assistance to Israel, so "no US aid may be used to facilitate annexation or to violate Palestinians rights."
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The platform committee for the Democratic National Committee discussed on Monday a series of amendments before voting on the entire document. The Israel-related language remained unchanged.
The committee rejected a suggested amendment to condition US assistance to Israel, so "no US aid may be used to facilitate annexation or to violate Palestinians rights." The motion also included the word "occupation," a term that did not appear in the original draft. The measure was rejected after 117 members opposed it, 34 voted in favor and five abstained.
Former US ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro, and former Under-Secretary of State Wendy Sherman, who took part in drafting the foreign policy chapter, both addressed the committee and called to oppose the measure.
"Israel has no better friend than Joe Biden," said Sherman. "[Biden's] commitment to Israel's security is and will remain ironclad." She noted that Israel is facing critical threats from every direction. "Our assistance to Israel is a mutually beneficial investment. One that protects Israel against very real threats and helps promote security and stability in the region."
some more from here too: https://jewishinsider.com/2020/07/dnc-denies-motion-to-condition-aid-to-israel-mention-occupation/
The amendment was proposed on Monday afternoon by Clem Balanoff, a Bernie Sanders delegate and the executive director of the Illinois chapter of Our Revolution, a pro-Sanders organization. After a brief discussion during the committee's virtual meeting, 117 members voted to oppose the amendment, while 34 supported the measure. The vote had five abstentions.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) supported the amendment, according to Arab American Institute President James Zogby, who was a Sanders appointee to the 2016 platform committee.
The platform's Israel plank includes language that expresses support for the U.S.-Israel alliance, a commitment to security funding for Israel and support for the two-state solution "that ensures Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state with recognized borders and upholds the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and security in a viable state of their own." The platform also notes opposition to "unilateral steps by either side — including annexation — that undermine prospects for two states" and opposition to "settlement expansion."
Democratic Majority for Israel CEO Mark Mellman said in a statement that the platform "continues and expands upon our party's proud tradition, and Joe Biden's long history, of supporting a strong U.S.-Israel relationship." Jewish Democratic Council of America Executive Director Halie Soifer said the final version of the platform "reflects Joe Biden and Democrats' strong support of Israel."