Say No To Indonesian Troops in Gaza, Says U.S. Pro-Israel Group

NEW YORK – A leading pro-Israel organization has come out strongly against the deployment of Indonesian soldiers to Gaza as part of a future ‘International Stabilization Force’ for Gaza. It is time for diplomats to realize that nations that refuse to recognize Israel’s existence cannot have any peacekeeper role in Gaza, Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI) has stated.

AFSI’s remarks are in response to comments from an Indonesian army spokesman who said that his country is ready to deploy troops in April.

“Indonesia does not recognize Israel, has never had diplomatic relations with Israel, and has consistently voted against the U.S. and Israel at the United Nations,” stated Moshe Phillips, Chairman of Americans for a Safe Israel. “The proposed deployment is not in the best interest of either the United States or Israel. There is still time to prevent this.”

“Peacekeepers must be trusted by all sides if they are to operate effectively,” stated AFSI’s Moshe Phillips. “Given Indonesia’s anti-Israel policies, Israel cannot reasonably be expected to view these soldiers as neutral forces. Nor should the United States do so.”