We, former Ambassadors and senior State Department officials who have had the pride of dedicating our lives to representing Israel abroad, serving Israel, its democracy and its values, wish to express here our deep concern at the serious consequences of what appears to be the policy of the next government, Israel’s relations with other countries, its international image, and its vital interests abroad.
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This concern is compounded by the public statements made by senior government and Knesset officials, various reports proposing changes in Israeli policy in Judea and Samaria/West Bank, the possible passage of extremist and discriminatory legislation that would oppress minorities, and the risk Attacks on Israel’s freedom of expression and democratic values.
Over the years, we have been entrusted with the mandate to pursue, consolidate, strengthen and advance Israel’s strategic, political, security and economic interests around the world. You are no doubt aware of the vital importance of these international relations for Israel’s resilience, the magnitude of the numerous crises we have had to manage and overcome, and the results we have achieved on behalf of subsequent Israeli governments in our capacity as committed and experienced ones servant of the state.
Undermining Israel’s legitimacy
As former diplomats with a unique knowledge of the international community, international organizations, world Jewry, the media and public opinion around the world, we fear that this recent development will provoke a very negative or serious reaction from the international community, compromising the strategic Israel’s relations, particularly with the United States of America, potential interference with the Abrahamic Accords and the adoption of anti-Israel measures, particularly sanctions by major international actors, including courts, and other measures directed against Israel, its government, its soldiers and its citizens. The damage would also be significant to the close ties between Israel and Jewish communities around the world, as well as to Israel’s international image, resulting in various political and economic repercussions.
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