April 27, 2012 -- New York -- AJC, in a letter to Secretary of State Clinton, urged the U.S. to oppose Turkey’s effort to block Israel’s participation in the NATO Summit, which will take place in Chicago next month.

“It is our belief that ongoing consultation with Israel on matters of mutual concern strongly benefits all NATO members – and the alliance itself,” wrote AJC President Robert Elman and Executive Director David Harris. “It is our earnest hope that, as host country, the United States will find a way to enable all appropriate interactions at the Chicago Summit between Israel and NATO members.”

 

“Israel is the Middle East’s sole democracy, America’s most reliable and capable ally in the region, and a nation long supportive of NATO’s mission,” added the AJC leaders.

The full text of the AJC letter to Secretary Clinton follows:

April 27, 2012

The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton

The Secretary

Department of State

Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Madam Secretary:

We write in response to the reported action of Turkey to block participation by Israel, a NATO Mediterranean Dialogue member, in next month’s Chicago NATO Summit.

While we recognize that NATO acts by consensus, and that the current Government of Turkey very publicly opposes NATO involvement with Israel, it is our belief that ongoing consultation with Israel on matters of mutual concern strongly benefits all NATO members – and the alliance itself.

As should be clear to all alliance members, Israel has a unique perspective, and can offer unique insights, on a range of strategic developments on NATO’s doorstep, including instability in Syria, the continuing threat posed by Iran’s undeterred drive for nuclear weapons capability, and political transitions across North Africa and elsewhere in the Arab world. Facilitating rather than impeding interaction with Israel on these and other matters is clearly to NATO’s advantage.

It is our earnest hope that, as host country, the United States will find a way to enable all appropriate interactions at the Chicago Summit between Israel and NATO members. 

Further, it is our hope that, going forward, the political position of one member of this vital 28-nation alliance will not be allowed to hinder strategically advantageous cooperation with Israel – the Middle East’s sole democracy, America’s most reliable and capable ally in the region, and a nation long supportive of NATO’s mission.

With appreciation for your consideration of our views on this matter, and best wishes,

Respectfully,

Robert H. Elman                                                    David Harris