We are both Israelis, living in a period where decisions and activities taken by our political leaders reach deep into the company and set the course for our nation. Of late, there has been a mounting call among us to Congress for former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to recant his invitation to speak. This call echoes key concerns in Israeli society, which transcends political ideologies and speaks of democracy, governance, and ethical leadership.
The row over the invitation to Netanyahu to address Congress most nearly touches the majority on accountability, transparency, and integrity of democratic institutions; it goes beyond mere political difference. Indeed, we are duty-bound as citizens deeply invested in the well-being and future of our nation to speak our concerns loud and clear and to project principles that uplift values for justice, equality, and democracy.
The supposedly most controversial figure in Israeli politics, Benjamin Netanyahu himself, has faced many legal battles and controversies ever since he became Prime Minister. His leadership has been marked by certain policies and corruption charges, which basically turn—-by achievements and controversies–and divide deep into Israeli society, putting strained relations with international partners.
The invitation offered to Netanyahu to address Congress raises moral questions about the lesson it is to teach with respect to accountability and democratic norms. In these testing times for global democratic values, it shall be for leaders to come up with a defense of transparency, integrity, and respect for the cause of law.
Furthermore, the Netanyahu prime ministership has been marked by policies and rhetoric that have served to further engrain internal ruptures in Israeli society and trouble relations with Palestinians and neighbors. The way he has handled issues such as settlement expansion, security policies, and international diplomacy has been the subject of heated debate both internally and internationally.
As Israelis who believe in democracy and human rights, we think Congress should have taken more responsibility in regard to the larger implications and the message sent to the world. In this way, Congress risks legitimizing certain actions and policies when inviting Netanyahu, further escalating the dangers threatened by the discourse against democratic principles and human rights norms he holds.
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The Netanyahu leadership has been controversial and criticized by Israeli civil society due to doubts about his commitment to enforcing the rule of law for all citizens. It has been marked by corruption charges, political manipulation of institutions, and delegitimization of democratic institutions that have eroded citizens’ trust in the political process.
By calling on Congress to rescind its invitation to Netanyahu, we are demanding ethical leadership and accountability, but we are also standing firmly with democratic values and the rule of law. We believe that every leader has to be held responsible for actions or decisions taken, and truly democratic institutions must uphold standards of transparency, integrity, and respect for human rights.
Yet, as Israelis, we also acknowledge the importance of generating constructive dialogue and acting toward our international partners, particularly those in the Land of the Free, the United States of America. What we would like to ensure is that the values of democracy, human rights, and justice are underlined in an effort to firm up all united efforts to forge a peaceful and prosperous future.
This then leads us into finalizing our call to Congress: disinvite Benjamin Netanyahu. At its core, it signifies our profound commitment to democratic principles, ethical leadership, and accountability. As Israelis, enjoying the democratic heritage and the diversity of the State of Israel, we believe that our voices count to make a change toward a better future for our country according to values that reinforce justice, equality, and the rule of law. We urge Congress to hear our concerns and take a principled stand in support of democratic norms and ethical governance.
