There can be no ‘Israel exception’ for free speech | Kenneth Roth

Mahmoud Khalil was a recent graduate of Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs .

He holds a green card, giving him permanent residence status, and is married to a US citizen.

Khalil had been a leader of protests against Israeli war crimes in Gaza .

Donald Trump , hailing his arrest, suggested he was among students “who have engaged in pro-terrorist, anti-American activity” The suggestion that permissible speech can be a basis for deportation is deeply troubling.

In pressing Netanyahu to agree to the current temporary ceasefire in Gaza , Trump showed his ability to exert pressure on the Israeli government to take steps toward peace that it resists.

He could do the same for a two -state solution.

But to build a political support for this important step, we need free debate in the U.S ..