US Aid to Israel: Casualties in Lebanon, Profits in DC
Lebanon confirms two killed by Israeli strikes, yet major US outlets rarely connect these tragic events to the consistent flow of American military aid. For instance, in 2023 alone, Congress approved an additional $14.3 billion in aid for Israel (HR 7217), on top of the annual $3.8 billion package. Many of these votes—like Rep. Brian Mast's vote for $14B in aid just days after receiving
significant campaign contributions—raise questions about the influence of lobbying groups like AIPAC, which spent $3,293,514 in 2023 on lobbying alone, according to OpenSecrets. So, while Lebanese citizens mourn, D.C. politicians laud 'unbreakable alliances,' and defense contractors see their stock prices soar. It's a marvel how 'self-defense' always seems to require another nation's civilian
casualties and billions in taxpayer cash. Perhaps Washington could fund a new hospital in Lebanon with the change left over from the last weapons delivery?