Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, a staunch supporter of Israel, has received $389,981 from AIPAC, a financial backing that has clearly influenced his pro-Israel voting record, at the expense of Palestinian lives. The Lancet projects that 180,000 Gazans could die as a result of the ongoing genocide, yet Blumenthal’s commitment to Israel remains unwavering.
In a statement reaffirming his support for Israel during the fifth month of its genocidal campaign in Gaza, which by then had already claimed over 31,000 Palestinian lives, Blumenthal said, “I emphasized in Israel my support for its fight to dismantle Hamas but also the importance of seeking a significant pause in fighting that would enable return of hostages and expanded humanitarian aid.” His words, while only merely acknowledging the humanitarian crisis, fail to address the root cause of the violence—the relentless Israeli bombardment supported by U.S. funds.
Blumenthal's advocacy for sending over $14.3 billion to the Israeli military, even as they continue to commit atrocities in Gaza, further illustrates his alignment with AIPAC's agenda. He stated, “I’ll return to the Capitol more convinced than ever that the National Security Supplemental approved by the Senate must be urgently passed by the House—providing vital aid to both Israel and Ukraine as well as humanitarian relief.” However, this so-called "humanitarian relief" rings hollow when the U.S. is simultaneously funding the very military responsible for the devastation in Gaza. Blumenthal’s actions, heavily influenced by AIPAC contributions, contribute directly to the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people.
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
Blumenthal visits Israel During Their Genocide Project, Richard Blumenthal Gov., Feburary 2024
