Opposing Trump and Netanyahu's Shared Agenda
Jewish Voice for Peace 19 September 2017	Press Release
September 19, 2017–Following speeches by U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly, Jewish Voice for Peace issues the following statement from Executive Director Rebecca Vilkomerson:
"Echoing President Trump's speech this morning, Netanyahu dedicated a large part of his address at the United Nations today to attacking diplomacy with Iran.
Trump and Netanyahu represent the worst of both U.S. and Israeli policies. Their parallel agendas include attacks on immigrants and Muslims, tolerating the rise of anti-semitism for political gain, and enabling racist violence. Trump and Netanyahu are pushing shared goals of escalating hostilities with Iran and a vision of a 'peace process' that serves only to expand Israeli military and political control over Palestinian lives and land.
Once again, Netanyahu said he's committed to peace with Palestinians, but the actions of his government repeatedly undermine it by expanding illegal Israeli settlements and entrenching Israel's now half-century-old military occupation. Just a few weeks ago, he told an audience at an event celebrating settlements in the occupied West Bank that 'We are here to stay forever.' In his praise of President Trump, Netanyahu showed that he believes a U.S.-led process will not bring about the fundamental change needed to ensure equality and freedom for Palestinians.
There can be no peace without justice and accountability. Now is the time for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and denials of Palestinian rights."
For interviews, please contact: Naomi Dann | media@jvp.org | 845-377-5745