AIPAC
AIPAC called Retired U.S. Army Col. Douglas Macgregor’s remarks “ill-informed and illegitimate.”
While some experts view her as a mainstream choice to help “secure Israeli vital interests in Washington,” there is concern that Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden potentially selecting Democratic progressives for other cabinet positions if elected.
Karine Jean-Pierre wrote that they “made the right call,” and that AIPAC’s policies and values “are not progressive.”
“It’s dangerous to weaken Israel’s defenses, especially as it faces unprecedented threats,” responded AIPAC. “A strong Israel advances our interests ... and is a key pillar of our regional security strategy.”
“AIPAC does not encourage members of Congress to criticize the government of Israel,” lobby spokesperson Adam Harris told JTA, which first published the news. “Our role is to strengthen the relationship between the two allies.”
AIPAC cancels 2021 policy conference due to concerns about coronavirus
“AIPAC will continue to find new and creative ways over the coming year for us to connect online and in person to advance the U.S.-Israel relationship,” said AIPAC president Betsy Berns Korn.
The lobby group said “bipartisan support for the fundamentals of the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship must supersede any policy dispute.”
After a quick quarantine for Jewish students who attended the AIPAC conference in Washington, some students have been harassed in person and on social media with anti-Semitic messages.
The proceedings seemed muted by the clash of Democratic presidential candidates, the spread of the coronavirus, the rise of anti-Semitism and continued Iranian aggression.
Israeli Ambassador to the United States Ron Dermer tells AIPAC conference attendees that “security and technology” will be the cornerstone of the U.S.-Israel alliance going forward.
His comments and absence reverberated throughout the event, with speakers ranging from U.S. Vice President Mike Pence to House Minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) to former New York City mayor and current Democratic presidential contender Michael Bloomberg referencing it.
Finance minister Samir Sharifov told the crowd: “Cooperation with Israel is not limited to oil supply; we are interested in widening cooperation in defense and the transfer of technology.”
