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As Mainers watch the destruction in Gaza with growing concern, it is reasonable to ask how our own senators are helping move this conflict toward peace. Public filings show that Sen. Susan Collins has received more than $900,000 in AIPAC-associated contributions, and Sen. Angus King has received more than $200,000. These contributions do not prove wrongdoing, but they raise a fair question about how strongly our senators are pressing Israel to protect civilians and honor a real ceasefire.
U.S. law provides clear guardrails for foreign military assistance. The Leahy law prohibits aid to any foreign military unit when there is credible information of gross human rights violations. The Foreign Assistance Act, including sections 502B and 620I, requires the United States to withhold aid from governments that obstruct humanitarian relief or engage in a consistent pattern of abuses. The Arms Export Control Act restricts U.S.-supplied weapons to legitimate self-defense and requires that they be used in accordance with international humanitarian law.
The situation in Gaza raises serious concerns under each of these standards. Civilian neighborhoods have been devastated. Humanitarian aid has been blocked or delayed. Independent organizations have documented large-scale civilian deaths caused, in part, by U.S.-supplied weapons. These realities should compel our senators to insist that Israel meet the obligations required by American law.
Maine values plain speaking and moral responsibility. We can support the safety of Israelis and Palestinians together while asking our senators to uphold U.S. law and press for a ceasefire that is real and respected.
Brian Garrison
South Portland
