Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) recently stated that there needs to be a “clear distinction” between the citizens of Israel and its government. He believes this distinction is important, in order to be able to have foreign policy discussions about the two. He believes that it is necessary to discuss the actions of the Israeli government in an open and honest way without unduly alienating citizens of the country. He believes that both democratic and human rights issues must be taken into consideration when discussing foreign policy issues. He also believes that it is important to recognize the important role that strong civil society plays in ensuring that the will of the people is expressed. In order for these views to be expressed, Kilmer believes that there must be a “clear distinction” between the citizens of a country and their government.
