The Hill News

Last summer, a group called the Emergency Committee for Israel (ECI) made a splash on the political scene by touting themselves as Americans solely concerned for Israel’s security. But a quick rundown of their leadership -- Republican luminaries Gary Bauer, William Kristol, and Rachel Abrams -- made it clear that ECI was something other than a group of concerned ordinary Americans. 

Their subsequent malfeasance included narrowing the definition of “pro-Israel,” lying in campaign ads against Democrats, and engaging in McCarthyite tactics against those who they deem as “merely pay[ing] Israel lip service,” among other actions. ECI’s behavior made it crystal clear that the organization is nothing more than a Republican front group bent on turning Israel into a partisan wedge issue. 

During the 2010 election, Pennsylvanians had a choice between Democratic Representative and retired Admiral Joe Sestak (D-Pa.) -- who had personally contributed t! o the strengthening of the U.S.-Israel relationship during his service in the Navy -- and former Republican Representative Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) -- who consistently put partisan politics above supporting aid packages to Israel. 

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