U.S. lawmakers slam Israel’s labelling of Palestinian NGOs as terror groups

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Democratic members of Congress and liberal Jewish organizations roundly condemned Israel’s decision to declare six Palestinian civil society organizations in the West Bank as terrorist organizations.

Many of the lawmakers directly implored the Biden administration to pressure Israel to repeal the move, one day after the State Department issued a rare public rebuke over the decision and lack of communication with the U.S. government.

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Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed the order on Friday, stating the six groups operate in a network run by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

Rep. Betty McCollum noted her lengthy history working with Defense for Children International – Palestine, one of the NGOs in question that monitors the killings of children and the wellbeing of arrested children in Israel, in her condemnation of Israel’s move. “This is nothing more than an attempt to silence supporters of Palestinian rights. It is anti-democratic, and contrary to the values expected of a U.S. ally,” McCollum said.

State Rep. Ilhan Omar called th Israeli move “an affront to everyone who cares about peace”Jim Mone/AP

Several other representatives have joined McCollum’s outcry, including Rep. Ilhan Omar, who called Israel’s move “a textbook way to evade accountability for human rights violations–and an affront to everyone who cares about peace.”

Rep. Rashida Tlaib described Israel’s move as “grossly antidemocratic and dangerous.”

Rep. Alan Lowenthal described the crackdown on dissenting voices “counterproductive and unacceptable,” while Rep. Andre Carson noted Israel’s decision was “based on false characterizations, and will harm countless people who depend on these organizations for lifesaving support.”

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Leading liberal Jewish organizations joined House Democrats in their criticisms. J Street called on Biden to make clear to Israel that this “deeply repressive measure” is “totally unacceptable and anti-democratic” while Americans for Peace Now called the move “deeply troubling.”

T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights also slammed the move, saying “the work of human rights groups ensures that no government can violate k’vod habriot, basic human dignity, without fear of accountability.” New Israel Fund CEO Daniel Sokatch called the “repressive declaration a cause for concern for anyone who cares about the future of Israeli democracy and Palestinian rights.”

The swift condemnations come after the U.S. abandoned its usual rhetorical pattern of calling for both sides to refrain from steps that exacerbate tensions, directly acknowledging that the Israeli government failed to provide advance warning. “We would refer you to the Government of Israel for an explanation of their rationale for making these designations,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.

The six groups are Addameer, Al-Haq, Bisan Center, Defense for Children International Palestine, the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network, and the Union of Agricultural Work Committees.

According to a statement issued by Israel’s Defense Ministry, the re-classification of these groups stems from fraudulent use of funds. “These group have received large sums of money from European countries and international organizations while using fraud and deception methods,” the statement said.