We need an arms embargo on Israel, not a war with Iran

At dawn on October 26, Israel launched airstrikes at the Islamic Republic of Iran, targeting military positions in Teheran, Khuzestan, and Ilam provinces. These direct military attack on Iranian territory represent another significant escalation in Israel's widening war in the region. They are happening in the context of a decades-long Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory, an ongoing genocide towards the Palestinians in Gaza, months of Israeli airstrikes on Syria and Yemen, and the expansion of war into Lebanon.

The Biden Administration continues to affirm its unequivocal support for Israel and is bolstering its military presence in the region. They continue to send weapons to Israel, allowing Israel to act with impunity.

We are calling on the Biden Administration and Congress to:

1. Institute an immediate arms embargo on Israel and secure a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and the region.
2. Commit to NO direct U.S. military engagement, additional troops, airstrikes, or other military actions. Instead, engage in direct diplomacy with Iran with the aim of de-escalation in the region.
3. Abide by U.S. and international laws and norms to prevent further atrocities and erosion of the existing international system of protection.

It is only through these concrete actions that the U.S. can prevent rather than provoke a wider war and avoid further death and destruction that will hurt all people in the region. Peace and security will never come through war and violence.

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The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) promotes a world free of violence, inequality, and oppression. Guided by the Quaker belief in the divine light within each person, we nurture the seeds of change and the respect for human life to fundamentally transform our societies and institutions. We work with people and partners worldwide, of all faiths and backgrounds, to meet urgent community needs, challenge injustice, and build peace.