Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) sense a sinister motive in the European Union's decision to label imported Israeli products. They, along with 32 other senators, sent a letter to Federica Mogherini, vice president of the European Commission, asking her to halt the initiative because it could lead to a boycott of Israeli goods.
As allies, elected representatives of the American people, and strong supporters of Israel, we urge you not to implement this labeling policy, which appears intended to discourage Europeans from purchasing these products and promote a de-facto boycott of Israel, a key ally and the only true democracy in the Middle East. We believe strongly that these efforts are unwarranted, dangerous, and damaging to the prospects of a negotiated solution to this conflict.
The guideline, the senators write, places more unnecessary economic pressure on their ally.
With the unsettling rise in Palestinian stabbing attacks and pressure from Iran after the White House's dangerous nuclear agreement, Israel has plenty of stress to deal with as it is.
An Israeli diplomat told The Jerusalem Post that the EU guideline, which does not need to be voted upon, reeks of prejudice.
“We’re trying to convince the European Union and its member states that this is a mistake. It has an element of discrimination to it and does not in any way help the diplomatic process.”
It is, the official continued, a "prize" for Palestinian terror and obstinance.
At least both sides of the aisle acknowledge that our friend in the Middle East deserves better.