The Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) President Morton A. Klein and Chair Mark Levenson, Esq. released the following statement:
The ZOA opposes President Joe Biden “Special Presidential Envoy for Climate” appointee John Kerry. Kerry is yet another dangerous anti-Israel, pro-Iran appointee in the new administration’s deeply worrisome “National Security” team. Kerry is infamous for appeasing Iran, undermining Israel, threatening and sabotaging Israel, and repeatedly “getting it wrong” on foreign policy during his tenure as Secretary of State during the Obama administration.
For instance:
Kerry Appeases Iran:
Kerry defended and lied about the disastrous Iran deal at the Democratic National Convention in August 2020. At the DNC, Kerry falsely stated that the Obama-Biden Iran deal “eliminated the threat of an Iran with a nuclear weapon.” In fact, the Iran deal placed roadblocks including: lengthy delays on the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency)’s ability to inspect suspected Iranian nuclear facilities; provided short expiration dates on the restrictions on Iran that we are now running up against; permitted Iran to continue industrial-scale enrichment and advanced centrifuge development activities; suspended the sanctions regime; and paved Iran’s way to developing a nuclear bomb.
Moreover, the $150 billion of sanctions relief that the Iran deal provided to Iran enabled the Islamic Republic of Iran to increase its terror activities, and increase its military expenditures by 30%, to a record high. By contrast, President Trump’s maximum pressure sanctions directly caused Iran to decrease its military budget by nearly 25% in 2019. The U.S. State Department reported that the re-imposition of sanctions caused Iranian “regime’s terrorist proxies and partners beg for cash, and have been forced to take austerity measures, even furloughing some terrorist fighters.” (See “The Importance of Sanctions on Iran,” by Sec’y of State Michael R. Pompeo, Nov. 18, 2020.)
Kerry Supported Blocking Middle East Peace to Cater to the Intransigent Palestinian Arab Terror Regime: In 2016, Kerry insisted: “There will be no advance and separate peace between Israel and the Arab world, without the Palestinian process and Palestinian peace. Everybody needs to understand that. That is a hard reality.” (video) The Abraham Accords proved Kerry completely wrong.
Kerry Helped Pass and Defended the Most Anti-Israel UN Resolution in History: Kerry was also involved in passing vile anti-Israel United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 on December 23, 2016. UNSC Res. 2334, orchestrated by the lame duck Obama administration, even considers the Western Wall to be “occupied Palestinian territory,” and calls Jewish homes “a flagrant violation under international law”. (See “ZOA Condemns Obama/Kerry/Power For Enabling Passage of Anti-Semitic Ethnic Cleansing Anti-Israel UN Res Denying Jewish Rights to Live in Jerusalem/Judea/Samaria,” Dec. 23, 2016.)
Kerry’s Infamous Anti-Israel Tirade: A few days later, on December 28, 2016, in a disgraceful, lengthy anti-Israel tirade (transcript), Kerry supported anti-Israel UN actions, including UNSC Resolution 2334; railed against Israeli “occupation” (of lands Israel is lawfully entitled to); condemned “settlements” (Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria); condemned Jewish population growth (maybe Jews aren’t allowed to have babies?); called for “significantly easing” Gaza movement restrictions (the Gaza weapons blockade); distorted history; cited the Arab description of Israel’s rebirth as the “Nakba” (catastrophe). See “ZOA: Kerry’s Speech Ignored the Facts and Endangers Israel’s Safety and Security,” Dec. 28, 2016.)
Numerous Democrats and Republicans condemned Kerry’s speech, and Congress passed a resolution condemning UNSC Res. 2334. (See “ZOA Praises Congress Condemning UNSC Resolution 2334 and Kerry Speech,” Jan. 6, 2017.)
Kerry Continues to Absurdly Claim Palestinian Arabs are Committed to Non-Violence: Further, in 2017, in the midst of the recent wave of Palestinian Arab murders of innocent Jews, instigated by the Palestinian Authority’s incitement and pay-to-slay incentives, Kerry ludicrously asserted: “The Palestinians have done an extraordinary job of remaining committed to nonviolence.”
In sum, Israelophobe and Iran-apologist John Kerry does not belong on the Biden administration’s national security team.
You can find information on more of President Biden’s appointments HERE.