Tue Oct 01 03:12:37 UTC 2024: ## US Taxpayers Fund Israeli Military as Conflict Escalates in Lebanon, While Workers Celebrate Union Victory

**CODEPINK condemns Israel’s invasion of Lebanon and the ongoing US support for Israel’s military actions.** The organization, which advocates for peace and human rights, argues that the escalation will lead to further death and devastation, particularly among civilians. Despite knowing the potential for humanitarian disaster, the Biden-Harris administration continues to fund Israel’s military actions, including in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Yemen, and now Lebanon.

**CODEPINK National Co-Director Danaka Katovich criticizes the US policy as one of “death and destruction,”** calling out the billions in “aid” sent to Israel while people in the US lack adequate support from their own government.

**Meanwhile, Starbucks Workers United celebrated a historic milestone as employees at a Washington state shop became the 500th US location to unionize since late 2021.** This victory is attributed to the hard work and dedication of workers building power from the ground up, according to Workers United president Lynne Fox.

**A new report reveals that top US private equity firms are heavily invested in fossil fuels, contributing significantly to climate change.** These firms, managing over $6 trillion in assets, are responsible for an estimated 1.17 gigatons of annual greenhouse gas emissions, more than three times the amount used to power every home in the US.

**The report calls for transparency and accountability from these firms, urging investors to adopt climate-friendly policies and practices.**

**The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East has also sparked concern over potential profiteering by US defense contractors.** Stocks of companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and RTX have soared since the recent Israeli invasion of Lebanon and Iran’s missile attacks on Israel.

**Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) criticizes the trends as “so sick,”** pointing out that members of Congress are allowed to own stock in war manufacturing companies, potentially profiting from military conflict. She calls for divesting from war and genocide, investing in the needs of the people instead.

Read More