Witness Center Hosts Professor John Mearsheimer to Discuss the Palestinian Cause and the Role of Israeli Lobbies

The Witness Center for Citizen Rights and Social Development hosted, via Zoom, Professor John Mearsheimer, Professor of International Relations at the University of Chicago and a leading theorist of the realist school in international relations, in a session addressing the Palestinian cause amid global transformations.

During the discussion, Professor Mearsheimer analyzed U.S. policy toward Palestine, stressing that it cannot be explained solely through strategic interests, but also through the powerful influence of Israeli lobbies, particularly the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which shapes congressional positions, influences elections, and dominates the prevailing political discourse.

He noted that Washington’s continued support for Israel, including covering up its violations of international law, is largely driven by pressure from these lobbies, which portray any criticism of Israel as a threat to U.S. national security or as anti-Semitism, thereby weakening chances for a balanced U.S. position toward Palestinians.

Despite this influence, Mearsheimer pointed out the rise of a growing current within the Democratic Party, supported by academics, youth, and student movements, which openly advocates for Palestinian rights and calls for conditioning U.S. aid to Israel on compliance with international law. He described this as an opportunity Palestinians should seize.

He further highlighted that recent recognitions of the State of Palestine by countries such as France, the UK, Canada, and Australia add momentum to international efforts, provided Palestinians develop a coordinated political discourse and work with U.S. institutions and voices supportive of Palestinian rights.

The meeting was attended by a group of Palestinian academics and experts, including Dr. Lord Habash, Dr. Munir Nuseibeh, Dr. Dalal Iriqat, Dr. Amjad Abu Al-Ezz, Dr. Safaa Nasruddin, Dr. Qusai Hamed, alongside Mr. Khalil Karaja, Ms. Dina Al-Masri from the Witness Center, and Ms. Bisan Abtaly from An-Najah University. The session was coordinated by Dr. Mohammad Iriqat.