Senator Jerry Moran, a Republican from Kansas, has firmly positioned himself as one of Israel's most ardent supporters in Congress, a stance undoubtedly reinforced by the $285,735 in campaign contributions he has received from AIPAC. This financial backing has led Moran to consistently vote in favor of pro-Israel legislation, including his support for sending $3.8 billion in unconditional military aid to Israel. This aid continues to fuel Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza, where, according to Lancet, the death toll is projected to reach 180,000.
Moran's rhetoric aligns closely with his voting record, often framing his support for Israel as a matter of national security. After voting in favor of the $3.8 billion military aid package, he justified his decision by stating, "There is no path forward for Ukraine, there is no path forward for Israel or for Taiwan if the United States of America disengages in the world." This statement reflects a broader strategy of conflating U.S. interests with unconditional support for Israel, even as the Israeli military's actions in Gaza result in mass civilian casualties, destruction of infrastructure, and widespread suffering.
During a bipartisan, bicameral congressional trip to Tel Aviv, Moran met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to express unwavering U.S. support, stating, "I traveled to Israel and met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders to show the United States’ support of our ally." Despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) finding Netanyahu guilty of numerous war crimes on the Gaza population, Moran doubled down on his support, declaring in Congress, "Israel’s existence is non-negotiable, and our shared adversaries must not doubt the resolution of American support." Moran's stance exemplifies how AIPAC's financial influence and a commitment to pro-Israel policies often overshadow the severe humanitarian implications of such support, both in Gaza and globally.
Related Links
Counting the dead in Gaza: difficult but essential, The Lancet, July 2024
Gaza infrastructure damages estimated at $18.5bn in UN-World Bank report, Al Jazeera News, April 2024
Sen. Moran Speaks on Senate Floor Following Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's Address to Congress, Jerry Moran Gov., July 2024
Sen. Moran Shows Support for Israel Through Visit to Tel Aviv, Jerry Moran Gov., November 2023
