Senator John Boozman of Arkansas has consistently demonstrated strong support for Israel, a stance notably influenced by the $309,860 he has received from AIPAC to fund his political campaigns. This financial backing has coincided with his pattern of voting in favor of pro-Israel legislation while opposing measures that would aid Palestinians. During an event in Little Rock in October 2023, Boozman advocated for substantial aid packages benefiting Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, explicitly opposing the inclusion of humanitarian assistance for Gazans facing severe hardship. He stated, "You're sitting there and you're thinking what's the difference does it make to me what's going on in the Middle East and certainly you know there's the moral principle. Israel is a great ally, we're going to stand by them." Senator Boozman is right about one thing, the genocide happening in Gaza applies to every tax paying American, because politicians like Boozman are misusing their tax dollars to fund Israel’s military that are committing war crimes.
Boozman's legislative actions further expose his support for Israel. In May 2024, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that over 35,000 Palestinians had lost their lives in Gaza, that same day Boozman criticized the Biden Administration for delaying weapons shipments to Israel and even led a group of 26 Republican Senators in urging the continuation of military support. He asserted, "President Biden’s decision to withhold critical weapons for Israel goes against our long-standing promise and makes it more difficult to rescue American hostages. His administration must unmistakably stand with Israel and deliver the resources it needs to successfully protect its interests." Such positions ignore the devastating impact of Israeli military actions on Palestinian civilians, including total destruction of their homes, hospitals, and schools in Gaza.
Despite international concerns and mounting civilian deaths, Senator Boozman has remained steadfast in his defense of Israel's military operations. He has repeatedly emphasized Israel's right to self-defense without acknowledging their means of collective punishment in Gaza stating, "Israel has an indisputable right to defend itself and secure the safety of its people." Senator Boozman’s alignment with pro-Israel lobby groups is further highlighted on his government website with endorsements from organizations like the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), whose president praised Boozman for his efforts to advance Israel's agenda in Congress. Senator Boozman has been compromised by Israeli lobby groups, and is willing to put profits over human lives.
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
In numbers: 200 days of Israel’s war on Gaza, Al Jazeera News, April 2024
The Nakba did not start or end in 1948, Al Jazeera News, May 2017
Boozman Introducing Resolution Reaffirming U.S. Commitment to Israel, John Boozman Gov., May 2024
Boozman Introduce Resolution Condemning Action by Biden Administration to Withhold Weapons for Israel, John Boozman Gov., May 2024
U.S Senators Tom Cotton, John Boozman agree with sending aid to Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine, NPR , October 2024