The American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF), the educational wing of hardline right-wing pro-Israel lobbying organization the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), is taking all but three freshmen US lawmakers on a tour of Israel, in hopes of turning them against the Iran nuclear deal.
Over 50 US congresspeople will meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israel in August.
Two separate trips are being organized along partisan lines—one for Democrats, and another for Republicans.
The Democrat trip begins on August 3, and will be led by House Minority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland).
The Republican trip begins on August 8, and will be led by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-California).
Human rights and anti-war group CODEPINK, which has been advocating on behalf of the Iran nuclear deal—which will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons in return for lifting US sanctions on the country, and which is supported by the overwhelming majority of the international community—has been closely monitoring the planned trips.
“AIPAC trips to Israel are designed to give congresspeople a one-sided view of the region, the view of Bibi Netanyahu,” remarked CODEPINK National Coordinator Alli McCracken. “With war and peace in the balance, perhaps the Congresspeople should take a side trip to Iran to get a more balanced picture.”
McCracken said they personally called the offices of representatives who are going on the trip, encouraging them to support the deal.
Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK and a longtime Palestinian human rights advocate, said the “Congressional recess is a time for elected representatives to be home in their districts, reaching out to their constituents, not taking propaganda trips to Israel on AIPAC’s dime.”
CODEPINK compiled a list of all of the freshmen representatives going to Israel, and provided The Intercept with a copy of it, which is embedded below.
Just three freshmen lawmakers are not going on the trips, Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan), Don Beyer (D-Virginia), and Norma Torres (D-California).
Congress has 60 days to review the Iran deal. AIEF/AIPAC is hoping to persuade US congresspeople to undermine and vote against the deal, although Obama has vowed to veto any attempt by the legislature to do so. Congress would need a two-thirds majority in order to override the president’s veto.
Roster of the freshman class for the 114th Congress color-coded by party. The three highlighted members are the only ones not attending an AIPAC trip to Israel. (Image: CODEPINK)
Ben Norton is a freelance journalist and writer based in New York City. His work has been featured in a variety of publications. His website can be found at BenNorton.com. Follow him on Twitter at@BenjaminNorton.
