They Dare to Speak Out: Confronting Israel's Lobby

Timeline of Events

Early Events (Pre-Source Focus)

• 1948: Israel is established. President Truman recognizes the new state, receiving significant Jewish support in his subsequent election.


• 1954: Fred Waller, a State Department official, is punished for leaking classified information to Israel. This marks the only known instance of a US government employee facing repercussions for such actions.

1967:

• May: Egypt's President Nasser closes the Strait of Tiran, escalating tensions with Israel. The Israeli lobby pressures President Johnson to support Israel, sending an overwhelming number of telegrams and letters.


• June: The Six-Day War takes place. The US provides significant military support to Israel, including airlifting weapons and supplies.

1973:

• October: The Yom Kippur War breaks out. President Nixon orders an airlift of military equipment to Israel, which proves crucial to its war effort.

Late 1970s

• 1978:Senator Mathias votes in favor of selling F-15 fighter planes to Saudi Arabia, facing criticism from some Jewish constituents.


• Congressman Paul Findley travels to South Yemen to negotiate the release of American hostage Ed Franklin.


• Findley secures a declaration from PLO leader Yasser Arafat expressing willingness to accept an independent Palestinian state and recognize Israel.


• 1979:Congressman Findley faces criticism for his Middle East views and loses his bid for re-election.


• Congressman Walter Fauntroy faces backlash from the Israeli lobby for his contacts with the PLO and his amendment seeking increased aid to Egypt.

1980s

• 1980:A leak from a secret White House meeting jeopardizes a sensitive arms deal with Saudi Arabia. Ambassador John West's efforts to work out a compromise are undermined by the leak.


• 1981:Israel bombs Iraq's nuclear reactor.


• The sale of AWACS surveillance planes to Saudi Arabia triggers a major confrontation between the Israeli lobby and the Reagan administration. Congressman Rostenkowski faces pressure from the lobby and ultimately votes against the sale.


• Senator Mathias publishes an article criticizing ethnic lobbies, including the Israeli lobby, in US foreign policy. He faces significant backlash from the Jewish community in Maryland.


• 1982:Israel invades Lebanon. Congressman Findley criticizes the invasion, deepening the controversy surrounding his views on the Middle East.


• President Reagan presents a peace plan for the Middle East. Israel rejects the plan.


• The Israeli lobby pressures Iowa voters to reject Senator Roger Jepson's bid for re-election after he criticizes Israel's settlements policy.


• 1983:John Glenn modifies his stance on the Middle East, ruling out talks with the PLO and excusing his vote for F-15 sales to Saudi Arabia.


• 1984:Senator Percy faces a challenging re-election campaign, with the Israeli lobby heavily involved in supporting his opponent.


• Late 1980s:Jonathan Pollard, a US Navy analyst, is arrested for spying for Israel, revealing the extent of Israeli espionage activities in the US.


• Mordechai Vanunu, an Israeli nuclear technician, exposes details of Israel's nuclear program. He is subsequently abducted by Mossad and sentenced to prison in Israel.

Ongoing Issues:

• The Israeli lobby continues to exert significant influence on US Middle East policy.


• Debate continues over US aid to Israel, particularly in light of Israel's policies in the occupied territories.


• Israel's nuclear program remains a source of concern and controversy.


• American evangelists increasingly voice support for Israel, further complicating the dynamics of US-Israel relations.