At AIPAC Policy Conference: Israel, US speak with one voice against modern day Haman

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Iran’s nuclear threat was the main topic at the America Israel Public Affairs Committee Policy Conference in Washington, DC, this weekend. Two options for blunting it were debated — strong sanctions against Iran or congressional legislation authorizing American military action.

Eli Hertz, a member of the Executive Council of AIPAC for 25 years, President of Myths and Facts, Inc., past founder, CEO and president of Hertz Technology Group, spoke to The Jewish Star about his impressions of the conference. Over 13,000 people from all over the world attended the meeting, more than double the attendance of last year, with Jews from across the religious spectrum, non-Jews, and nearly 2,000 university students.

“The people were united in the goal of stopping Iran before it has the capabilities to do it,” said Hertz. “Like a “Lego,” Iran will have the pieces on the table, they just need to put them together and launch. If Iran doesn’t see real sanctions, and if the sanctions are weak, it will give Iran the incentive and courage to increase the speed of development.”

He commended the current sanctions including not allowing doing business with the Central Bank of Iran and restrictions on the international electronic transfer of funds (SWIFT). These sanctions limit Iran’s ability to move money, to trade, forcing Iran to do business through third parties or using other countries as proxies.

“Restriction of free trade and money movement are very severe sanctions,” he said. “If you can’t transfer (funds), you’re dead.”

During the conference, Mitch McConnell, the Republican senator from Kentucky, said that he will submit a draft resolution that will specify in precise and clear terms when military action will become an option.

The goal of the conference is to “make the relationship between Israel and the U.S. stronger every year,” explained Hertz. He said that there is a great relationship between the United States and Israel and that Congress is the number one supporter of Israel and the Israeli people. U.S. support is a serious commitment.

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