Kathmandu— Dozens of Lebanese Americans have filed a civil lawsuit against the U.S. government and several defense contractors, alleging that U.S. support for Israel during wartime constitutes a violation of American law prohibiting assistance to foreign governments credibly linked to gross human rights abuses. The suit, filed in Michigan on Tuesday, names Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Caterpillar as defendants, claiming their actions contributed to the destruction of property owned by Lebanese Americans. Plaintiffs assert that the U.S. has failed to enforce the Leahy Law regarding Israel, despite credible reports of human rights violations during conflict. The group seeks class action status to represent potentially tens of thousands of affected individuals.

Legal Basis of the Claim

The lawsuit centers on the Leahy Law, a U.S. statute that prohibits military assistance, training, or equipment to foreign militaries with credible evidence of gross human rights violations. Plaintiffs argue that by supplying Israel with funds and weapons used in what they describe as indiscriminate force during the Lebanon conflict, the U.S. government is in direct violation of this law. They further contend that defense contractors knowingly contribute to these alleged illegal actions by continuing to sell equipment to Israel.

Plaintiffs Detail Property Damage

The plaintiffs include the Michigan-based Arab American Civil Rights League and 16 individuals who are U.S. citizens with property in Lebanon impacted by Israeli military action. Nasser Beydoun, a prominent businessman and politician, alleges that his family home in Bint Jbeil, southern Lebanon, was destroyed by Israeli forces “without any military necessity or justification.” The lawsuit seeks to represent a broader class of Lebanese Americans whose properties have been damaged or are at risk of future damage from Israeli strikes.

Allegations of Inconsistent Enforcement

Nabih Ayad, a lawyer and head of the Arab American Civil Rights League, criticized what he perceives as selective enforcement of the Leahy Law. “The law is very clear and has been enforced around the world,” Ayad stated on Wednesday, “but when it comes to Israel, there is zero enforcement.” He added that credible information regarding human rights violations exists but has not prompted action from the U.S. government. President Trump’s acknowledgement of indiscriminate force used by Israel in Lebanon – stating, “You don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody” – is cited as supporting evidence.

Civil Rights League's History of Litigation

The Arab American Civil Rights League has a history of involvement in major civil rights lawsuits. Recent cases include challenging the Trump administration’s “Muslim ban,” suing banks for alleged discrimination against Muslim and Arab Americans, and a 2023 suit aimed at securing U.S. assistance for citizens trapped in Gaza. This latest lawsuit continues the organization's focus on advocating for the rights of Arab Americans.

The plaintiffs are seeking class action status for their case, which could significantly expand the scope of the litigation and potentially lead to further scrutiny of U.S. policy regarding military aid and human rights.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.