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Arlington residents press county to end economic-development ties with Virginia Israel Advisory Board
Summary
At a May 4 town hall, a string of residents urged Arlington County to stop working with the Virginia Israel Advisory Board and with defense contractors, arguing those ties conflict with local values; county leaders said they hear the concern but noted limits on local authority and records/process questions remain.
At a town-hall meeting May 4 in Arlington County's Central Library Auditorium, more than a dozen residents urged the County Board to sever or reconsider Arlington Economic Development's (AED) collaborations with the Virginia Israel Advisory Board (VIAB) and with defense contractors.
"Let us, as Arlington County, be a role model" and stop working with VIAB and weapons companies, Sam Lavison told the board, arguing those ties "fuel the genocide, apartheid and occupation of Palestine." Asim Rehoot and others backed that call, saying the county's economic-development work should prioritize local needs such as health care and environmental services rather than partnerships that, in their view, profit from conflict.
Samir Hassan, who identified himself as an Arlington for Palestine organizer, told the board that AED's work prioritizes "defense, aerospace and cybersecurity" and said AED's FY2026 budget was "almost $10,000,000," a figure he said is funded in part by local taxpayers. Several speakers also said the county had withheld records in response to a Freedom of Information Act request about AED's interactions with VIAB.
Board Chair De Ferrante acknowledged the moral concerns raised by speakers but disputed broad characterizations. "I feel like it's a little bit overbroad to say that our taxes are used to commit crimes against humanity," he said, adding that the board must work "within the law" and balance what is within local control. De Ferrante and other board members said they were open to continued dialogue but noted limits to the County's authority over international policy and federal contracts.
Several board members said they would follow up administratively: staff and the clerk were asked to provide clarification on records and process, and the board flagged opportunities for future community engagement on AED priorities. The chair also urged residents to use available channels (email and open-door meetings) for continued input.
What happens next: The town hall did not produce a formal motion or vote on AED's partnerships. Residents who asked for records and transparency said they will continue to press the board; the board said it will review procedural and records questions and consider what actions are allowable under state and federal law.
