US Congressman Warns of Existential Threat to Israel Over Policies

U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman, a pro-Israel Democrat, issued an urgent warning to Israelis over the weekend, expressing concern that Jerusalem does not grasp the severity of its deteriorating standing in the United States and internationally. Sherman conveyed his message following a conversation with Israel's Ambassador to Washington, Yael Lempert.

Sherman stated on social media that "every official and every voter in Israel needs to watch this segment, and it needs to be translated into Hebrew." He emphasized that the issue extends beyond the traditional $3.8 billion in annual aid, encompassing access to American weaponry and political support, asserting, "Israel cannot survive without friends in the world."

He criticized the Israeli government's perceived inaction in improving its global image, noting a lack of willingness to take even minor steps and insufficient funding for the Foreign Ministry. Sherman specifically identified the presence of Itamar Ben-Gvir in the Israeli cabinet as an "existential threat." He also addressed settler violence in the West Bank, arguing it will persist as long as relevant ministries are not led by individuals genuinely opposed to it, predicting that CNN poll data will worsen if this violence continues.

Concluding his remarks, Sherman urged Israelis to abandon the notion that justice alone will protect them, warning that a belief that their actions are inherently justified due to being right is a misunderstanding of Jewish history. He suggested that anti-Israel sentiment in parts of the world and the U.S. political system may not be entirely unfounded.

In response, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir dismissed Sherman's concerns, stating, "Thank you to all the advisors and members of Congress from around the world for the advice, but this is my way, and I will continue to act for the security of the citizens of Israel, without fear!" Ben-Gvir characterized Sherman's views as part of a long-standing narrative that has historically advised against decisive action against terrorists and advocated for appeasement.