Lawyers, including those in the Biden administration, call on president to reduce aid to Israel

A group of at least 90 lawyers, including 20 serving in the Biden administration, have signed a letter urging President Biden to cut military aid to Israel. The exclusive report by Politico revealed that attorneys from various government departments, such as State, Homeland Security, Justice, Labor, and Energy, have co-signed the letter.

The letter specifically calls for an investigation by the Justice Department into US citizens serving in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for potential war crimes that could be prosecuted under American law. The lawyers argue that Israel’s military campaign against Hamas has violated US and international humanitarian law.

According to the letter obtained by Politico, Israel is accused of violating US statutes such as the Arms Export Control Act and Leahy Laws, as well as the Geneva Conventions due to alleged disproportionate attacks on civilians. The lawyers assert that the majority of Americans support ceasing arms shipments to Israel until it halts its military operations in Gaza.

The White House has until May 8 to certify to Congress that Israel’s use of US-supplied weapons complies with international law. The letter is set to be sent to Attorney General Merrick Garland, highlighting the growing concern among legal experts regarding the US’s support for Israel’s military actions.