Open Letter To US Secretary Of State Mike Pompeo – Subject – Israeli Annexation

בס”ד

Dear Mr. Pompeo-

As an American citizen who served in the US Military and now lives with my family in Israel for nearly 24 years, I was quite shocked to see the recent letter addressed to you initiated by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez,  Michigan Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, Washington state Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Minnesota Congresswoman Betty McCollum. that criticizes Israel’s Annexation Plans. Others have recently added their signatures.

The letter states that annexation will “lay the groundwork for Israel becoming an Apartheid state” as well as “paving the path toward an Apartheid system”. Some of the signatories to this letter have in the past accused Israel of practicing Apartheid but because they have signed this letter they in effect, now admit Israel has never practiced any form of Apartheid prior to this.

I can assure you Mr. Pompeo I know what Apartheid is, having lived in South Africa for more than 17 years.  Israel has never practiced Apartheid in the past nor does Israel have an interest to practice Apartheid in future. The Arab population are recognized as citizens of this country which would never happen under Apartheid.

The letter further states “Annexation is notably prohibited because it incites armed conflict”. What the letter does not state is that the Palestinians have been at war with Israel since Israel’s Independence 72 years ago. My family has had to endure an endless campaign of terror by the Palestinians which have been launched from Gaza, the Palestinian Territories and other hostile surrounding Arab countries. Israel and its citizens deserve the right to defend itself against all enemies and if Annexation is the answer, then let that process proceed. If the Palestinians have refused all offers of peace until now, that is their problem, not ours.

In an addition to the above paragraph, the letter mentions that Annexation will cause “economic instability”. Again, the only people the Palestinians have to blame are themselves. It is a proven fact the Palestinians are using the financial aid they receive to fund terrorism against Israel and its citizens. Missiles stand ready in Gaza to be fired into our country at any time. The funds used to finance these attacks could easily be used to fund projects which will improve the quality of life for its citizens.

This letter then contains a threat – “Should the Israeli government move forward with planned annexation” then the signatories will move forward with a plan to reduce the $3.8 Billion package in US military funding to Israel. A simple response to this is that Israel would never have needed all of these funds had the Palestinians and surrounding Arab neighbors realized that they are fighting a losing battle, put down their arms and admit that  true peace is the only solution.

You must not forget, Mr. Pompeo, Israel has banned two signatories to this letter from entering the Jewish State because of their support for terrorist organizations such as Miftah which was listed on their itinerary. This clearly shows the bias that those Congresswomen have against our country.

Wishing you well and Shalom from Israel