AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) has refused to invite any opponents of Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Disengagement Plan to address their annual Policy Conference – despite the fact that the Likud party thoroughly rejected the plan, with the support of ministers in the Israeli government.
The AIPAC event -- scheduled for Sunday, May 16, to Tuesday, May 18 includes addresses by US President George W. Bush, Sen. Joe Lieberman, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Trade Minister Ehud Olmert (Likud), Justice Minister Yosef 'Tommy' Lapid (Shinui), and Minister Meir Sheetrit (Likud) .
Notably absent are any speakers representing the view of the ruling Likud party’s referendum results – namely, those opposed to a withdrawal from Gaza.
"The diversity of speakers participating in AIPAC's Policy Conference illustrates the universal appeal of our message," said AIPAC President Amy Friedkin. "At a time of unprecedented difficulty for America's democratic ally in the Middle East, the deep and abiding support for Israel in all quarters of American society is truly exemplified by this years conference," Friedkin said.
Despite statements to the contrary, however, Ministers Effie Eitam (NRP), Uzi Landau (Likud) and Natan Sharansky (Likud) – all government ministers who campaigned successfully against the Disengagement Plan - were prevented from participating in AIPAC’s conference.
Opponents of the Disengagement Plan have sent a letter to the organizers of the conference demanding that alternatives to a retreat from Gaza be allowed to be presented at the event.
The letter reads:
Dear AIPAC Leadership,
We, the representatives of the ruling coalition in the Israeli Parliament,
wish to bring to the attention of AIPAC that the members of the Likud party
voted against the Prime Minister's disengagement plan.
The Government of Israel did not yet accept the disengagement plan. We,
therefore, kindly request that you do not take any stand on this issue.
As you may be discussing this issue at your forthcoming conference, we ask
that you invite at least one Governmental Minister who reflects the views of
those who disagree with this plan.
Sincerely,
MK Uri Ariel - Nation Union
MK Nissan Slomiansky - NRP
MK Prof. Arieh Eldad - National Union
MK Zvi Hendel - National Union
MK Yuri Shtern - National Union
MK Gila Gamliel - Likud
MK Daniel Ben Lolo - Likud
MK Ehud Yaton - Likud
AIPAC officials responded, saying that it was customary to invite the prime minister – and in the event that he could not attend - ministers who support his policies and one representative of the opposition.
It should be noted that preceding the Likud party referendum, PM Sharon stated that his policy would be to abide by the party members’ decision.
The AIPAC event -- scheduled for Sunday, May 16, to Tuesday, May 18 includes addresses by US President George W. Bush, Sen. Joe Lieberman, House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, Trade Minister Ehud Olmert (Likud), Justice Minister Yosef 'Tommy' Lapid (Shinui), and Minister Meir Sheetrit (Likud) .
Notably absent are any speakers representing the view of the ruling Likud party’s referendum results – namely, those opposed to a withdrawal from Gaza.
"The diversity of speakers participating in AIPAC's Policy Conference illustrates the universal appeal of our message," said AIPAC President Amy Friedkin. "At a time of unprecedented difficulty for America's democratic ally in the Middle East, the deep and abiding support for Israel in all quarters of American society is truly exemplified by this years conference," Friedkin said.
Despite statements to the contrary, however, Ministers Effie Eitam (NRP), Uzi Landau (Likud) and Natan Sharansky (Likud) – all government ministers who campaigned successfully against the Disengagement Plan - were prevented from participating in AIPAC’s conference.
Opponents of the Disengagement Plan have sent a letter to the organizers of the conference demanding that alternatives to a retreat from Gaza be allowed to be presented at the event.
The letter reads:
Dear AIPAC Leadership,
We, the representatives of the ruling coalition in the Israeli Parliament,
wish to bring to the attention of AIPAC that the members of the Likud party
voted against the Prime Minister's disengagement plan.
The Government of Israel did not yet accept the disengagement plan. We,
therefore, kindly request that you do not take any stand on this issue.
As you may be discussing this issue at your forthcoming conference, we ask
that you invite at least one Governmental Minister who reflects the views of
those who disagree with this plan.
Sincerely,
MK Uri Ariel - Nation Union
MK Nissan Slomiansky - NRP
MK Prof. Arieh Eldad - National Union
MK Zvi Hendel - National Union
MK Yuri Shtern - National Union
MK Gila Gamliel - Likud
MK Daniel Ben Lolo - Likud
MK Ehud Yaton - Likud
AIPAC officials responded, saying that it was customary to invite the prime minister – and in the event that he could not attend - ministers who support his policies and one representative of the opposition.
It should be noted that preceding the Likud party referendum, PM Sharon stated that his policy would be to abide by the party members’ decision.