John Ramming Chappell @jwrchappell Twitter profile

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

One thing that the United States will apparently not do is comply with its own law by implementing with Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act, which prohibits security assistance to governments that obstruct US humanitarian aid. 1/

President Biden

@POTUS

4 months

In the coming days, the United States will carry out airdrops of aid to Gaza, redouble our efforts to open a maritime corridor, and expand deliveries by land. The aid flowing into Gaza is nowhere near enough. We all need to do more. And the United States will do more.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

5 months

. @amnesty has found that Israeli forces used a US-provided small-diameter bomb made by Boeing to kill 18 civilians from the Nofal & Awadallah families in Tal al-Sultan. The bombing killed ten children. An Israeli military map labelled the area as safe. 1/

New evidence of unlawful Israeli attacks in Rafah causing mass civilian casualties

Israeli forces continue to flout international humanitarian law, obliterating entire families with total impunity.

www.amnesty.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

This important @amnesty report has the first verified public research that I have seen linking US weapons to civilian harm in Gaza since October 7. Unfortunately, it is likely to be the first of many given the scale of US arms transfers to Israel. 1/

Israel/OPT: US-made munitions killed 43 civilians in two documented Israeli air strikes in Gaza –...

US-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) were used by the Israeli military in two deadly, unlawful air strikes on homes full of civilians in the occupied Gaza Strip, Amnesty International has...

www.amnesty.org

Amnesty International

@amnesty

7 months

A new investigation by Amnesty International has found US-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) were used by the Israeli military in two deadly, unlawful air strikes on homes full of civilians in the occupied Gaza Strip.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

24 days

As I told the audience during this panel: “When weapons made in the United States wipe out families and kill children, it makes us complicit. It makes the United States complicit, & it makes individuals complicit.” 1/

Political-Military Affairs, US Dept of State

@StateDeptPM

24 days

@StateDeptPM 's DAS Mira Resnick talks US Arms Transfer Policy at ACA's Annual Meeting panel on Achieving More Effective Implementation of U.S. Arms Transfer Policy. - 📺 (starts at 5:53:54) "We cannot ignore our values - we must live up to them. We

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

. @amnesty indicates white phosphorus used by Israeli armed forces have @DeptofDefense identification codes. @hrw recently found use of white phosphorus in populated areas violates international humanitarian law. @SecDef says the US has placed no conditions on arms transfers. 1/

Agnes Callamard

@AgnesCallamard

9 months

@Amnesty gathered compelling evidence documenting the use of white phosphorus artillery shells by the Israeli army in densely populated civilian areas in Gaza, many of which may be considered unlawful indiscriminate attacks.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

. @SenSanders has introduced a rare privileged resolution requiring a report on Israel's human rights practices pursuant to Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act. Section 502B is an underused but potent human rights oversight tool. Some quick resources for context follow. 1/

Anthony Adragna

@AnthonyAdragna

7 months

New: @BernieSanders has introduced a privileged resolution demanding information on Israel's human rights practices amid the sustained bombing campaign in Gaza.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

I wrote about this little-known law and how it connects to @POTUS ’s own policy released just weeks ago. 2/

John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

In my first article for @ArmsControlNow , I dig into the Biden administration’s new arms transfers policy and its connection to Section 620I, a US law banning security assistance to countries that restrict US humanitarian aid. 1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

With more than 20,000 dead in Gaza, the US is transferring explosive weapons likely to be used in an indiscriminate manner in dense urban environments. Once again, @StateDept is bypassing congressional review. This is a travesty, and here’s why. 1/

Political-Military Affairs, US Dept of State

@StateDeptPM

6 months

. @StateDept 🇺🇸 authorizes a proposed Foreign Military Sale #FMS to 🇮🇱 #Israel for the purchase of M107 155mm projectiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $147.5 million. #FMSUpdate --

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

. @hrw & @amnesty found that Israeli forces deliberately targeted and killed @Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah using a 120mm tank shell. Now, @StateDept is selling Israel thousands of 120mm tank cartridges & bypassing Congress's review period. 1/

Israel: Strikes on Journalists in Lebanon Apparently Deliberate

Two Israeli strikes in Lebanon on October 13, 2023 that killed Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and injured six other journalists was an apparently deliberate attack on civilians and thus a war...

www.hrw.org

ForumArmsTrade

@ForumArmsTrade

7 months

State Dept @StateDeptPM declares emergency exists to bypass 15 day Congressional review period on transfer of $106.5 million value of 14000 120mm M830A1 tank cartridges. See … and resource page

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

In my first article for @ArmsControlNow , I dig into the Biden administration’s new arms transfers policy and its connection to Section 620I, a US law banning security assistance to countries that restrict US humanitarian aid. 1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

Next week is @POTUS ' deadline to report on Israel's compliance with NSM-20, which covers restrictions on humanitarian aid, violations of int'l law, and failure to protect civilians. The report is unlikely to be honest. Here's the reality of Israel's violations of the policy. 🧵1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

3 months

The third set of major arms sales reported this week. Truly depraved. The President of the United States has made clear that he understands the human consequences of unconditionally arming the Israeli government. His actions indicate that he does not care.

Natasha Bertrand

@NatashaBertrand

3 months

New: The Biden administration recently authorized the transfer of over 1,000 500-pound bombs and over 1,000 small-diameter bombs to Israel. The transfer authorization of the MK82 bombs and small-diameter bombs, more than 2,000 munitions in total, occurred before an Israeli

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act hasn't been part of public conversations around U.S. arms sales to human rights abusers for decades. @ChrisMurphyCT & @MikeLeeforUtah 's new Saudi Arabia resolution invoking Section 502B(c) could change that. 1/

A Long-Forgotten Law Could Force the U.S. to Re-Evaluate its Relationship with Saudi Arabia

Section 502B(c) is a potent tool to accelerate congressional oversight of support to countries with concerning human rights records.

www.justsecurity.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

. @SenSanders has said that he will bring his resolution invoking Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act to require a State Department report on Israel's human rights practices to the Senate floor next week. Resolution text is here. 1/

S.Res.504 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): A resolution requesting information on Israel's human...

Summary of S.Res.504 - 118th Congress (2023-2024): A resolution requesting information on Israel's human rights practices pursuant to section 502B(c) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

www.congress.gov

Akbar Shahid Ahmed

@AkbarSAhmed

6 months

Sanders says he will bring this to the floor NEXT WEEK. Trying to find out if this has been agreed to w/ Schumer. Notable timeline given mp co-sponsors yet and there is some skepticism even among Democrats of this approach. The latter is clearly the focus of his current comments

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

24 days

Earlier in the panel, I said: "I've run out of words to describe the devastation in Gaza. But leading organizations and esteemed experts around the world have concluded that some actions of the Israeli government may amount to war crimes or genocide." 2/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

From @guardian , the best investigation of the (non-)application of the Leahy Law (a key US human rights law) to Israel that I have seen so far. A must read. Some quick excerpts. 1/

‘Different rules’: special policies keep US supplying weapons to Israel despite alleged abuses

Revealed: review of internal state department documents shows special mechanisms have been used to shield Israel from US human rights laws

www.theguardian.com

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

1/ Big news on @WhiteHouse 's reported decision to transfer cluster munitions to Ukraine-- @RepSaraJacobs & @IlhanMN have introduced a National Defense Authorization Act amendment to block US cluster munitions sales and transfers.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

5 months

The report offers a glimpse of the Biden administration's complicity in the devastation in Gaza. The US government has sent Israel thousands of bombs in the past 4 months, all apparently without conditions. Everything the Israeli military does relies on US support. 3/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

5 months

Amnesty described the January 9 attack as a "likely direct attack on civilians and civilian objects" or "possibly an indiscriminate attack." Either would be a violation of international humanitarian law, and Amnesty calls for the strike to be investigated as a war crime. 2/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

Aryeh Neier co-founded @hrw , directed @ACLU and @OpenSociety . He's a Holocaust survivor and a giant in the US human rights advocacy community. He says: "I am now persuaded that Israel is engaged in genocide against Palestinians in Gaza."

The New York Review of Books

@nybooks

2 months

Aryeh Neier on Israel and the question of genocide

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

It’s worth noting: the harm to civilians resulting from the use of 2000 pound bombs in dense urban areas has been crystal-clear for many months. What’s changed isn’t the risk — it’s the admin’s willingness to finally start using a scintilla of its leverage. 1/

Nick Schifrin

@nickschifrin

2 months

“We are especially focused on the end-use of the 2,000-lb bombs and the impact they could have in dense urban settings as we have seen in other parts of Gaza. We have not made a final determination on how to proceed with this shipment."

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

5 months

In the first 1.5 months of Israeli operations, Israeli forces "dropped more than 22,000 guided and unguided bombs on Gaza that were supplied by Washington." Weapons transfers continue even as evidence of atrocity crimes piles up. Devastating. 4/

Biden’s arming of Israel faces backlash as Gaza’s civilian toll grows

Critics, including fellow Democrats, say the Biden administration must do more to ensure Israel’s use of U.S. weapons in Gaza complies with laws of war.

www.washingtonpost.com

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

10 months

Important new development from @statedept , which has developed guidance to "respond[] to incidents in which foreign forces are suspected of using American-made weapons to injure or kill civilians." 1/

Biden administration will track civilian deaths from U.S.-supplied arms

U.S. embassy officials will investigate reports of foreign governments suspected of using American-made arms against non-combatants.

www.washingtonpost.com

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

The analysis and Section 620I are especially relevant today as the Biden admin prepares to airlift aid to Gaza amid Israeli restrictions to respond to a humanitarian crisis created by US-provided bombs. This would not be necessary if President Biden implemented the law. 2/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

This is a very bleak combination of findings. Is the US providing white phosphorus to the Israeli government? Could the United States or US policymakers be liable for violations? See @BCFinucane 's helpful article for a rundown of the factors at play. 2/

Partners and Legal Pitfalls

Partnered military operations are an increasingly prominent feature of armed conflict and one which presents a distinct set of legal challenges to States assisting partners. This is particularly true...

digital-commons.usnwc.edu

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

A Biden admin spokesman admitted: "there have been some inorganic obstacles thrown up, in some cases by some members of the Israeli cabinet, that have made it hard to get that aid in" to Gaza. US law bans arms to govts that block US humanitarian aid. 1/

On-the-Record Press Gaggle by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby | The...

National Security Council Via Teleconference 1:56 P.M. EST MR. KIRBY: Good afternoon, everybody. As you know, over the weekend the U.S. Department of Defense and the Jordanian Royal Air Force...

www.whitehouse.gov

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

The article offers perspectives on how strong protections in law and policy go ignored and why Congress needs to step in. It also offers the first discussion (albeit a brief one) of 620I’s history that I am aware of. More to come there from my @CivCenter colleagues and I. 3/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

The biggest takeaway: the Biden admin says it's "reasonable to assess" that US weapons have been used to violate international humanitarian law. But President Biden will not stop the flow of arms to Israel.

Just Security

@just_security

2 months

What you need to know from the Biden administration's new report on Israeli use of U.S. weapons and compliance with international law. @jwrchappell notes the key takeaways.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

. @sensanders today on his Section 502B resolution on Israel: “All of this is being done with bombs and equipment paid for by the United States of America and heavily subsidized by American taxpayers. We are paying for the carnage in Gaza right now — our bombs, our ordnance.” 1/

Bernie Sanders

@SenSanders

7 months

I am LIVE now on the floor of the U.S. Senate to discuss the humanitarian disaster in Gaza and what Congress should be doing about it.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

In short, the US government is providing weapons that, given Gaza’s urban character and demographics, will kill children. The Biden administration bears responsibility for their deaths. 6/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

The Biden administration’s calls for Israel to reduce civilian harm ring hollow in light of continued transfers of incredibly destructive explosive weapons expected to be used in populated areas. 5/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 years

In our latest for @just_security , @annieshiel and I discuss why the Pentagon should review allegations of civilian harm that were wrongly dismissed as non-credible. Here's an example of the sort of mistakes that deserve a second look as DOD overhauls its civilian harm policy. 1/

Just Security

@just_security

2 years

| @SecDef told Rep @SaraJacobsCA : DoD has no intent to examine past cases of civilian casualties that were mistakenly dismissed. Despite DoD-sponsored study & award-winning NYT reporting ( @AzmatZahra ) identifying many errors. Analysis of the implications:

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

11 months

1/ Harrowing reporting from @HRW today shows that Saudi border guards massacred hundreds of Ethiopian migrants crossing the Saudi Arabia-Yemen border from March 2022 to June 2023, with killings likely continuing to this day.

“They Fired on Us Like Rain”

The 73-page report, “‘They Fired on Us Like Rain’: Saudi Arabian Mass Killings of Ethiopian Migrants at the Yemen-Saudi Border,” found that Saudi border guards have used explosive weapons to kill...

www.hrw.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

That law is Section 6 of the Arms Export Control Act, which bans arms sales to "any country determined by the President to be engaged in a consistent pattern of acts of intimidation or harassment directed against individuals in the United States." 1/

Tom Malinowski

@Malinowski

2 months

There's a law on the books that prohibits arms sales to countries that target people on US soil. If we told partners like India & Saudi Arabia that we planned to start enforcing that law uniformly, these incidents wouldn't happen and our diplomatic relationships would improve.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

3 months

The Leahy Law requires only "credible information" regarding a gross violation of human rights to prohibit a unit from receiving US assistance. The fact that countless NGO and media accounts were insufficient to bar an Israeli unit shows that there is a double standard. 1/

Alex Ward

@alexbward

3 months

Typically, the reports of wrongdoing come from NGOs like Human Rights Watch or from press accounts. The State Department officials determining whether to recommend sanctions generally do not draw on the vast array of classified material.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

. @AndrewDesiderio @PunchbowlNews & @ReutersZengerle report that @ChrisMurphyCT & @SenMikeLee will introduce a resolution requesting a report on human rights in Saudi Arabia under Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act. Here's why that matters. 1/

US senators adopt new strategy to push Saudi Arabia on human rights

Democratic and Republican U.S. senators introduced a resolution on Wednesday that could force President Joe Biden's administration to prepare a report on Saudi Arabia's human rights record and...

www.reuters.com

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

Today is the 56th anniversary of one of my favorite pieces of rhetoric on US foreign policy: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Riverside Church speech, "Beyond Vietnam." Everyone working on foreign policy should read it in full, but here some sections that struck me this time. 1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

10 months

My new article for @just_security analyzes the SAFEGUARD Act, a bill from @SFRCdems chair @SenatorMenendez and @HouseForeign ranking member @RepGregoryMeeks that would overhaul US arms sales and security assistance law to prioritize human rights. 1/

Congress Should Pass the SAFEGUARD Act to Overhaul Arms Sales Law and Protect Human Rights

The SAFEGUARD Act provides a pathway for Congress to push for accountability for the violence linked to U.S. arms sales.

www.justsecurity.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

For an overview on how the Section 502B process works, see this quick explainer from me and my @CivCenter colleagues. 2/

How U.S. Congress Can Use Section 502B

Section 502B of the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act has rarely been invoked in recent decades despite continued assistance to governments implicated in human rights abuses and likely violations of...

civiliansinconflict.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

The transfer is a clear violation of @POTUS ’ own Conventional Arms Transfer policy because it aggravates the risk that the Israeli government will commit violations of international humanitarian law, namely indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks. 4/

Memorandum on United States Conventional Arms Transfer Policy | The White House

NATIONAL SECURITY MEMORANDUM/NSM-18 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE ...

www.whitehouse.gov

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

NEW in @politico 's Nat Sec Daily: 53 orgs sign statement supporting @ChrisMurphyCT & @BasedMikeLee 's Saudi Arabia 502B resolution. Signatories include @POMED @WinWithoutWar @FCNL @hrw @amnestyusa @MwatanaEn @PENamerica @thefreedomi @QuincyInst @FP4America @CAIRNational & more.1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

Big thanks to @giacomonyt for the chance to share my analysis to and my colleagues who helped shape my thinking on this topic, including @annieshiel @epeikenberry @Seharrison7 @BCFinucane @seth_binder . & thanks to @ArmsControlNow for providing open access to the piece. 4/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

8 months

My comments in a new @inthesetimesmag article from @w2t2impact : White House Requests “Unprecedented” Loophole That Would Obscure Arms Sales to Israel 1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

8 months

Proud to share my latest writing for @just_security , a guide to the law and policy relevant to US arms transfers to Israel. Glad to have @annieshiel , @seth_binder , @StimsonCenter 's Elias Yousif, @FP4America 's Bill Monahan & @AMKlasing as co-authors. 1/

Law and Policy Guide to US Arms Transfers to Israel

A guide to the humanitarian law conditions on U.S. arms sales and security assistance to Israel.

www.justsecurity.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

Dozens of human rights, civilian protection, faith-based, foreign policy, and humanitarian groups, including @CivCenter , raised the alarm about the transfer of 155mm artillery shells in November. 2/

Pentagon urged to halt plans for giving Israel artillery supplies

U.S.-based aid, advocacy and religious organizations warn that the provision of 155mm artillery rounds to Israel risks worsening civilian suffering in Gaza.

www.washingtonpost.com

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

And if you really want a deep dive, check out my forty-page law review article on Section 502B for @NUJIHR . 4/

The Rise and Fall of Section 502B

The first major foreign policy legislation of the human rights revolution of the 1970s,1 Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act (FAA) is a latent oversight tool that Congress could use to promote...

scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

The last Section 502B resolution of request was introduced by Senators Murphy and Lee in the spring, focusing on Saudi Arabia. I wrote about that effort in @just_security . 3/

A Long-Forgotten Law Could Force the U.S. to Re-Evaluate its Relationship with Saudi Arabia

Section 502B(c) is a potent tool to accelerate congressional oversight of support to countries with concerning human rights records.

www.justsecurity.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

Got questions? I'm always happy to talk more about this little-understood law, which could play a significant role in the ongoing conversation about how US weapons are facilitating devastating harm to civilians in Gaza. 5/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

"the US continues to provide Israel with unconditional arms transfers and other security assistance. This not only facilitates Israel’s harmful conduct, but also appears to violate Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act" - @CivCenter + 24 orgs. 2/

NGOs to President Biden: Comply with US Law, End Support for Aid Restrictions in Gaza

Today, 25 humanitarian, human rights, and arms control organizations wrote to US President Biden expressing deep concern regarding continued security assistance to Israel despite Israeli restrictions...

civiliansinconflict.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

Today @StateDept released the 2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. You may know the Country Reports, but you might not know how they relate to Section 502B, a law prohibiting security assistance to gov'ts that consistently commit gross violations of human rights. 1/

Secretary Antony Blinken

@SecBlinken

1 year

Today we released the 47th annual Human Rights Report. #2022HRR demonstrates our commitment to advancing human rights across the globe. I invite you to take a moment and read the full report:

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

This is simply not what the resolution does. It asks the State Department for more information regarding Israel's human rights practices. That should be uncontroversial, it is the bare minimum needed for Congress to carry out its oversight responsibilities.

David M Friedman

@DavidM_Friedman

6 months

It’s nothing short of disgraceful that Bernie Sanders is asking the Senate to condition aid to Israel based upon slanderous allegations of war crimes (when the evidence demonstrates overwhelmingly the care Israel takes to avoid civilian casualties) and yet Sanders unconditionally

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

3 months

Proud that @CivCenter was among the first ten signatories of this statement, now with 250+ orgs signed on!

Crisis Action

@Crisis_Action

3 months

#BREAKING : More than 250 NGOs call to stop sending weapons, parts and ammunition to #Israel and Palestinian armed groups. More than 33,000 people killed in #Gaza . We need a #CeasefireNOW #StopSendingArms

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

Read my latest @just_security piece with @FCNL 's @HassanElTayyab -- we discuss @SenSanders 's important new resolution to require a report on Israel's human rights record under Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance. 1/

Just Security

@just_security

7 months

How can the U.S. assess its security assistance to #Israel ? @jwrchappell and @HassanElTayyab write that Senator Bernie Sanders' recent resolution offers a pathway to consider the role U.S. weapons are playing in devastating harm to civilians in #Gaza .

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

. @RESCUEorg announced today that a UN investigation found a 1000-pound US bomb from an F16 struck their and @MedicalAidPal 's housing compound in Al Mawasi in a January 19 airstrike that injured several staff members. 1/

Gaza: IRC and MAP additional statement on airstrike on residential compound housing Emergency...

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC) have previously shared details of the near-fatal airstrike on 18 January 2024 by the Israeli military on a residential...

www.rescue.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

In these two attacks, American-made weapons with @Boeing codes killed 21 members of the al-Najjar family and 18 members of the Mu-eileq family. The strikes killed 19 children. 2/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

3 big takeaways from our new @CivCenter fact sheet with @OxfamAmerica on section 620I, a law prohibiting US security assistance to countries that restrict the delivery of US humanitarian aid. Legislators have been vocal about 620I violations & Gaza lately. Quick thread. 1/

CIVIC

@CivCenter

4 months

Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act prohibits security assistance to any government that restricts the delivery of US humanitarian aid. Our new fact sheet with @OxfamAmerica explains the history of 620I and its relevance to the crisis in Gaza.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

. @OxfamAmerica wrote: “Israel’s use of this munition in past conflicts demonstrates that its use would be virtually assured to be indiscriminate, unlawful, and devastating to civilians in Gaza.” 3/

ARTILLERY SHELLS TRANSFER

President Biden should halt the transfer of 155mm artillery shells to Israel, and if he does not, Congress should step in. Israel

www.oxfamamerica.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

. @hrw + @OxfamAmerica "submitted a joint memorandum to the US government regarding Israel’s violations of international humanitarian law including with US weapons and the blocking of US-funded humanitarian assistance." 4/

Israeli Assurances to Use US Arms Legally Are Not Credible

The Biden administration should follow US law and immediately suspend arms transfers to Israel, Human Rights Watch and Oxfam said today. The organizations on March 19, 2024 submitted a joint memora...

www.hrw.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

In my piece with @HannaHomestead of @CIPolicy for @RStatecraft , we discuss proposals to restore oversight for arms sales and war powers. The article comes after the Biden admin announced a US arms sale to Saudi Arabia and just before hearings on 2001 & 2002 AUMF repeals. 1/

Responsible Statecraft

@RStatecraft

9 months

How Congress can legislate a more restrained foreign policy

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

Important new report from @hrw confirms Israel's use of white phosphorus in a manner that violates international law. "Israel’s use of white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injuries." 1/

Human Rights Watch

@hrw

9 months

BREAKING: Israel has used white phosphorus in military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, putting civilians at risk of serious and long-term injuries. White phosphorus causes excruciating burns and can set homes afire. Its use in populated areas is unlawful.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

10 months

A quick note that the sale includes maintenance of arms and equipment of the types used by Saudi border guards who killed hundreds of migrants and asylum seekers in a possible crime against humanity, as @hrw reports. First, MRAPs. 1/

Bryant Harris

@brykharris

10 months

State Department just approved a $500 million sale in repairs/spare parts for a bunch of Saudi tanks and armored vehicles.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

3 years

During my internship with @TimepDC , I researched international legal standards for medical care in prisons during COVID-19 and compiled reports about coronavirus measures and outbreaks in detention facilities across the MENA. Check out some of my findings in the article below. 1/

The Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy

@TimepDC

3 years

NEW: "The danger of COVID-19 for prisoners and detainees will remain acute until vaccines are widely available to all incarcerated people. Until then, the threat of new outbreaks remains," former TIMEP Legal & Policy intern @jwrchappell writes.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

"As humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza, it is our experience that the humanitarian response in Gaza... has been consistently and arbitrarily denied, restricted, and impeded by the Israeli authorities." - @RESCUEorg + 37 orgs. 5/

Joint NGO Submission under National Security Memorandum 20: The State of the Humanitarian Response...

Two million civilians in Gaza are suffering hunger, displacement, and risk of death on an unprecedented scale. Their appalling situation is the responsibility of all parties to the conflict. As...

www.rescue.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

"The Netanyahu government’s interference in U.S. humanitarian operations violates the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act" - @SenSanders @ChrisVanHollen @SenJeffMerkley + 5 senators. 3/

NEWS: Sanders, Van Hollen, Merkley, and Five Colleagues Urge President Biden to Enforce U.S. Law...

Under Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act, Netanyahu must expand humanitarian aid access and deliveries to Gaza or forfeit U.S. military assistance WASHINGTON, March 12 – Amid the ongoing...

www.sanders.senate.gov

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

"Secretary of State Antony Blinken now has until March 25 to certify that Israel's written commitments are credible. If certification isn't given, U.S. weapons transfers to Israel will be suspended." This was expected, and it will be unlikely to change outcomes.

Barak Ravid

@BarakRavid

4 months

Scoop: Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant signed on Thursday a letter to the Biden administration assuring Israel will use U.S. weapons according to international law and allow U.S.-supported humanitarian aid into Gaza. My story on @axios

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

"it is clear that the continued provision of U.S. weapons to the government of Israel violates Section 620I of the Foreign Assistance Act." - @JoaquinCastrotx + 5 members of Congress. 6/

As Humanitarian Crisis Mounts in Gaza, Senior House Democrats Urge President Biden to Enforce U.S....

The Official U.S. Congressional website of Congressman Joaquin Castro

castro.house.gov

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

I'm proud to share my latest law review article, "The Rise and Fall of Section 502B." The article traces the development and decline of one of the first -- and most ambitious -- U.S. laws regarding security assistance, arms sales, and human rights.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

The Arms Export Control Act (22 USC 2756) bans arms sales to countries "engaged in a consistent pattern of acts of intimidation or harassment" against people in the US. @USGAO now confirms what advocates long suspected: the law hasn't been implemented. 1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

I told @AkbarSAhmed : "The Biden admin has always been bound to comply with Sec. 620I — but since it has not done so to date, congressional pressure is also vital to press @POTUS to immediately obey the law and ensure lifesaving aid reaches civilians living on the brink of famine"

Akbar Shahid Ahmed

@AkbarSAhmed

4 months

EXCLU: 25 humanitarian + rights groups say Biden is in "apparent violation of US law" by continuing military support for Israel as it bars Gaza aid -They cite Section 620i, the provision 8 senators say Israel is breaching -Applying law won't hurt Iron Dome

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

@BCFinucane See @hrw ’s Q&A on Israel’s use of white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon here. 3/

Human Rights Watch

@hrw

9 months

Learn more on Israel’s Use of White Phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon in HRW's Q&A document:

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

. @amnesty "found that these air strikes were either direct attacks on civilians or civilian objects or indiscriminate attacks" -- either would be a violation of international humanitarian law. 3/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

Public reporting indicates that the Israeli government has repeatedly restricted US-funded aid deliveries by closing border crossings, arbitrarily blocking or delaying humanitarian goods, denying access requests from humanitarian orgs, and attacking aid workers. 2/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 years

My latest article in @just_security discusses how the National Defense Authorization Act, passed in the Senate last week, addresses civilian harm from US military operations. @CivCenter

Just Security

@just_security

2 years

The #NDAA supports #DoD efforts to prevent and respond to civilian harm, but there is more work to be done, writes @jwrchappell @CivCenter . #CIVCAS

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

“there is sufficient evidence that Israel’s restrictions on the delivery of US-backed humanitarian aid violate Section 620I... and therefore call into question the assurances Israel provided pursuant to NSM-20.” - @RepJasonCrow , @RepDeluzio + 86 reps 14/

Reps. Crow, Deluzio Lead 86 Members in Letter Urging Biden to Enforce U.S. Law & Policy Regarding...

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jason Crow (CO-06), Army combat veteran and Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on Oversight and Accountability, and Congressman Chris...

crow.house.gov

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

Crucial amendment to promote civilian protection and human rights in US arms transfers from Senator Van Hollen.

Senator Chris Van Hollen

@ChrisVanHollen

7 months

US taxpayer $$ never come in the form of blank check, and there should be no exceptions. Today I'm announcing an amendment to the national security supplemental w/ 12 other Senators to ensure weapons received by ANY country under the bill are used in accordance w/ US & int'l law:

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

4 months

Three highlights on the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act, aka Section 620i of the Foreign Assistance Act, from @ChrisVanHollen 's interview with @NewYorker 's @IChotiner . Quick thread. 1/

Isaac Chotiner

@IChotiner

4 months

New Interview: I talked to Senator Chris Van Hollen about the different ways that the Israeli government is preventing adequate aid from reaching civilians, his differences with the Biden administration, & why America is not using its leverage with Israel.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

. @RepSaraJacobs on the House floor, speaking on her amendment to prohibit cluster munitions transfers: "America is an outlier. We are one of the few countries that has not become a party to the Convention on Cluster Munitions and that is a grave mistake." 1/

FCNL (Quakers)

@FCNL

9 months

FCNL thanks @RepSaraJacobs for speaking up about the horrors of #ClusterMunitions , as well as our responsibility to avoid complicity in civilian harm worldwide. We urge her congressional colleagues to listen up. Via @cspan

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

30 days

"President Biden said he was 'uncertain' whether Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza." If I were uncertain about whether someone was an arsonist, I wouldn't give them a flamethrower. But Biden continues to send bombs and war planes.

Biden ‘uncertain’ if Israel committing war crimes

The U.S. leader’s remarks came as Israel signed an agreement with the United States for F-35 warplanes.

www.washingtonpost.com

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

"It is apparent that the Netanyahu government is repeatedly interfering in U.S. humanitarian operations in direct violation of the Humanitarian Aid Corridor Act" - @BettyMcCollum04 + 5 members of Congress. 7/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

3 years

This year I read 64 books. Many were excellent. Here are the ten that I think have most affected my thinking.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

“As the leading provider of weapons and military aid to Israel, the United States bears special responsibility for international law violations and harm to civilians.” Read my first piece for @TheHillOpinion , on US arms transfers to Israel and the war in Gaza.

The Hill

@thehill

9 months

"Stop American weapons from killing civilians in Gaza" ( @TheHillOpinion )

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

3 years

Check out this piece I wrote in @PPR_HKS , where I argue that international and domestic challenges are deeply interconnected, which means that a foreign policy of diplomacy, cooperation, and solidarity should be a central part of the progressive project.

Progressive Policy Review

@PPR_HKS

3 years

In our latest, @jwrchappell calls for progressives to turn away from a system that pours hundreds of billions of dollars each year into state violence and instead repair our relations with the planet and its people

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

Absolutely vital effort from @SenWarren @SenJeffMerkley @SenSanders @timkaine @SenatorHeinrich to push the Biden administration for clarity on "accountability and oversight measures that ensure any use of U.S. weapons is in accordance with U.S. policy and international law." 1/

Elizabeth Warren

@SenWarren

7 months

Israel must do more to protect civilians in Gaza. I’m leading Senate Democrats in a letter to the Biden administration seeking answers and stronger oversight to ensure any use of U.S. weapons complies with U.S. and international laws.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

. @RepRaskin : “I support my colleague @RepSaraJacobs amendment to this year’s National Defense Authorization Act to categorically prohibit the transfer or sale of U.S. cluster munitions.”

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

5 months

Thank you @ForumArmsTrade @jeffabramson !

ForumArmsTrade

@ForumArmsTrade

5 months

Appreciation today for @jwrchappell @CivCenter for his expertise on the law and U.S. arms sales, and keeping the DC and U.S. arms community coordinated.

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

10 months

. @SenWarren @JoaquinCastrotx @NormaJTorres @RepDanGoldman to @SecRaimondo : “Assault weapons are clearly being exported with Commerce’s approval and then used to murder civilians abroad, and Commerce owes the public a full accounting of its role."

Warren, Castro, Torres, Goldman Call on Commerce Department to Address Troubling Increase of...

The Official U.S. Senate website of Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts

www.warren.senate.gov

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

8 months

The Biden admin's conventional arms transfer policy says the US "will engage in appropriate monitoring as part of its effort aimed at ensuring transferred arms are used responsibly and in accordance with [international law] conditions and obligations." What do US officials say?1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

3 years

In my new article for @rstatecraft , I argue that the US needs a new approach to the Sahel.

It’s time for a new Sahel strategy

US security assistance to partner militaries for counterterrorism missions further destabilizes the region.

responsiblestatecraft.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

@BCFinucane @hrw And full article on @secdef ’s statement here. 4/

John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

And yet: "The U.S. military is placing no conditions on its security assistance to Israel, @SecDef said on Thursday, adding Washington expected Israel's military to 'do the right things' in prosecuting its war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas."

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

New reporting from @w2t2impact documents a little-known provision of law that allows the US to transfer precision guided munitions, which include the JDAM-equipped bombs used in these attacks, to the government of Israel without meaningful restrictions. 7/

How Israel Got an Endless Supply of U.S.-Made Smart Bombs

Nearly three years ago, Congress gave Israel a pass to stockpile precision-guided bombs “without regard to annual limits.” An inside source confirms that even more have been transferred since October...

inthesetimes.com

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

3 months

. @LindaT_G to @NPRMichel : “We have raised directly our concerns with a number of countries about reports of UAE supporting RSF.” A year into the devastating war, the UAE’s support for the RSF’s atrocities is well-documented. 1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

8 months

Important new brief from @OxfamAmerica . " @POTUS should halt the transfer of 155mm artillery shells to Israel, and if he does not, Congress should step in. Israel... has legitimate defense needs. However, these particular shells do not serve them." 1/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

9 months

Important reminder to the US government as possible violations in Gaza continue, including: forcible transfer, use of white phosphorus in populated areas, collective punishment, starvation as a method of warfare, and potentially indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks.

CIVIC

@CivCenter

9 months

ISRAEL-GAZA: CIVIC urges governments delivering military support to parties to the conflict to ensure such aid is not used in violation of int'l humanitarian law or human rights violations. Our statement:

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

1 year

Glad to be joining the @ForumArmsTrade roster of Experts!

ForumArmsTrade

@ForumArmsTrade

1 year

Excited to welcome 7 experts to the Forum today. @jwrchappell @CivCenter , @brankamarijan @KelGallagh @ploughshares_ca , @HenriqueGarbino , Liz Kirkham @Saferworld , @BrownMandrake @SAMonitorOrg @CIPolicy , and @Er_Woods Learn more about them at

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

"As the Task Force’s work demonstrates, the facts could not be more clear. It is now up to the Biden administration to act on them." Independent Task Force led by Josh Paul & @4noura . 9/

Report of the Independent Task Force on National Security Memorandum-20 Regarding Israel

An Independent Task Force on the Application of National Security Memorandum-20 to Israel has provided its report to the Biden Administration.

www.justsecurity.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

Recent reporting from @972mag sheds light on what would appear to be a blatant disregard for IHL's proportionality and distinction principles in the Israeli targeting process. 4/

‘A mass assassination factory’: Inside Israel’s calculated bombing of Gaza

Permissive airstrikes on non-military targets and the use of an AI system have enabled the Israeli army to carry out its deadliest war on Gaza.

www.972mag.com

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

7 months

As @amnesty recommends, "the US must follow its own laws and policies regarding the transfer and sale of arms, including the [CAT] Policy and Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance." For more, check out @just_security piece coauthored by @AMKlasing . 5/

Israel/OPT: US-made munitions killed 43 civilians in two documented Israeli air strikes in Gaza –...

US-made Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) were used by the Israeli military in two deadly, unlawful air strikes on homes full of civilians in the occupied Gaza Strip, Amnesty International has...

www.amnesty.org

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

6 months

. @SenSanders is turning to a powerful but underused tool for human rights oversight to require Senators to answer a simple question: should @StateDept provide a report on Israel's human rights practices, including indiscriminate attacks and siege warfare in Gaza? 2/

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

2 months

This week, the House will vote on a bill banning @potus from suspending arms transfers to Israel. If he did so, it would defund parts of @StateDept @DeptofDefense & NSC. The bill condemns Biden and would launch an investigation into the pause of a transfer of 2000 lb bombs. 1/

John Hudson

@John_Hudson

2 months

New: The Biden admin confirms it will veto the GOP bill that would compel the United States to send all approved weapons to Israel, including 2k pound bombs, or see funding suspended for DOD, State and NSC. "The bill is a misguided reaction to a deliberate distortion."

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John Ramming Chappell

@jwrchappell

5 months

. @HouseForeignGOP has announced that next week it will consider the so-called TIGER Act (HR 6609), a bill that would amend a key arms sales law. The amendments are not just business as usual, and HFAC should reject it in its current form. Here's why. 1/

HFAC Markup on Various Measures - Committee on Foreign Affairs

H.R. 6609, To amend the Arms Export Control Act to increase the dollar amount thresholds under sections 3 and 36 of that Act relating to proposed transfers or sales of defense articles or services...

foreignaffairs.house.gov

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