Ankara: The US is described as a 'munitions depot and an ATM' for Israel's aggressive policies towards its neighbors, as stated by Michael Rectenwald, founder of the Anti-Zionist America Political Action Committee (AZAPAC), in a conversation with Anadolu.
According to Anadolu Agency, Rectenwald highlighted that Israel plays a significant role in shaping US domestic and foreign policy. The Anti-Zionist America Political Action Committee was established to counter what Rectenwald described as the 'overwhelming' Zionist influence in the US through electoral means and cultural persuasion.
Rectenwald attributed Israel's ability to commit 'crimes against humanity' to the open support from the US, which he claims supports the genocide in Gaza. This conflict has reportedly resulted in over 70,000 deaths, predominantly women and children, and injured nearly 171,000 people since October 2023. He stressed that eliminating Zionism from the US government is essential to prevent such future atrocities, noting a perceived subservience to Israel, particularly evident during the Trump administration.
Rectenwald further emphasized that American taxpayers are funding what he views as Israel's genocide in Gaza. To address this, he advocates for replacing Zionists in the US Congress and Senate with anti-Zionist candidates. He expressed the group's focus on achieving this change during the midterm elections, although acknowledging that it cannot be done all at once.
Rectenwald claimed that Israel exerts influence in US politics by providing substantial funding to American politicians through lobbying firms, instilling fear of opposition to Israel and Zionism. He believes that this strong political and military support for Israel has generated widespread anti-American sentiment across the Middle East, exemplified by chants like 'Death to America' in Iran, which he attributes to the US's unwavering support for Israel.
Rectenwald articulated that the group's primary goal is to cease all military and financial aid to Israel, thereby preventing its influence on US domestic politics. He envisions a complete overhaul and de-Zionization of the US government, which he believes would end the perceived subjugation to Israel, describing the current relationship as being a 'munitions depot and an ATM for Israel.' Rectenwald accused Israel of extorting substantial amounts of money from the US to support its foreign policy.