FMEP Legislative Round-Up August 8, 2025

Resource

1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters
3. Recess Travel to Israel & West Bank (to show support for/solidarity with Israel & Greater Israel)
4. Selected Members on the Record
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

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1. Bills & Resolutions

(TARGETING WEST BANK SETTLER TERRORISTS) S. 2672 (bill text): Introduced 8/1/25 by Welch (D-VT) and 4 cosponsors – Sanders (I-VT), Durbin (D-IL), Van Hollen (D-MD), and Merkley (D-OR), “A bill to codify Executive Order 14115 imposing certain sanctions on persons undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank” aka the “Sanctions and Accountability for Non-Compliance and Transparent Investigative Oversight for National Security (SANCTIONS) in the West Bank Act.” Referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Also see:

(WEST BANK SETTLER VIOLENCE) S. 2667 (bill text): Introduced 8/1/25 by Booker (D-NJ) and 5 Democratic cosponsors, “A bill to prevent violence in the West Bank and authorize the imposition of sanctions with respect to any foreign person endangering United States national security and undermining prospects for a two-state solution by committing illegal violent acts,” aka the “West Bank Violence Prevention Act.” This is the Senate version of HR 3045 (covered in the 5/2/25 edition of the Round-Up).  Also see:

  • press release 8/4/25: Booker, Shaheen, Warner, Reed, Coons, and Bennet Introduce West Bank Violence Prevention Act of 2025
  • Media: Senate Democrats seek to reimpose sanctions on Israelis (Jewish News Syndicate 8/5/25)
  • Nadler (D-NY) – primary sponsor of HR 3045 – on X – “I warmly welcome the introduction of the Senate companion to my West Bank Violence Prevention Act and I thank @SenBooker, along with @SenatorShaheen, @SenJackReed, @MarkWarner, @ChrisCoons, and @SenatorBennet for leading this effort in the Senate. As I have said many times, violence in the West Bank is at epidemic levels and recent events have unfortunately shown how deadly, disastrous, and destabilizing this violence can be. I urge every member of the House and Senate to join our effort to prevent violent acts by extremists in the West Bank regardless of their nationality. Only then can Israelis and Palestinians make real strides towards peace through a negotiated and viable two-state solution.”

(LEGISLATING, GLEEFULLY, THE RIGHT FOR PEOPLE TO RUN OVER PROTESTERS WITH THEIR CARS) HR 4846:  Introduced 8/1/25 by Fine (R-FL), “To amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for an affirmative defense in a criminal or civil action relating to motor vehicle incidents if cases in which a certain party is convicted of riot,” aka, per Fine, as the “Thump Thump Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see:

  • Fine (R-FL) 6/27/25: X-post – “The Thump Thump Act will allow Americans to run over these Muslim Terrorists. They don’t try this in Florida because of the bill I helped pass in the Legislature to allow them to be run over. It’s time to take it national. Thump thump.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 6/17/25: X-post – “Blocking a road is a form of terror. It stops medical emergencies. It keeps people from living their lives. In Florida, I helped pass a bill to allow you to run them over. Now I’m taking it national. The Thump Thump Act is coming. Drive away.”

(TARGETING ACADEMIA) HR 4902 [bill text]: Introduced 8/5/25 by Steube (R-FL) (and, per Steube’s press release, Sullivan, R-AK, but his name does not so far show up as a cosponsor in the Congressional Record), “To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to prohibit institutions of higher education from receiving gifts from or entering into contracts with foreign countries of concern,” aka the “Securing Academia from Foreign Entanglements (SAFE) Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. Notably, this legislation would empower whatever administration is in power to simply declare that any given country is “engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the national security or foreign policy of the United States” — for example, for the sin of disagreeing with the US on the question of whether international law is applicable to anything Israel does — and based solely on that declaration bar U.S. universities from accepting funding or entering into contracts with such countries.

(SEIZING IRANIAN ARMS & GIVING THEM TO OUR FRIENDS) S. 2642 (bill text): Introduced 8/1/25 by Budd (R-NC) and Kelly (D-AZ), “A bill to authorize the President to treat as stocks of the United States any weapon or material seized by the United States while in transit from the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Houthis in the Republic of Yemen,” aka the “Seized Iranian Arms Transfer Authorization (SEIZE) Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: Budd (R-NC) 8/1/25: Senators Budd, Kelly Introduce SEIZE Act to Authorize Transfer of Confiscated Iranian Weapons to U.S. Partners

(NO ABSENTEE BALLOT UNLESS YOU ACTUALLY RESIDE IN THE STATE WHERE YOU WANT TO VOTE!) HR 4851: Introduced 8/1/25 by Hamadeh (R-AZ) and two Republican cosponsors, “To amend the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act to require nonmilitary overseas voters to provide evidence of residence in a State as a condition of receiving an absentee ballot under such Act, and for other purposes,” aka the “Proving Residency for Overseas Voter Eligibility (PROVE) Act.”  Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. NOTE: In the unlikely event this were to pass into law, it would have potentially huge impact with respect to American citizens who reside in Israel (and in West Bank settlements), but who vote in US elections, particularly where they vote in large numbers in key districts. Also see press release – Congressman Abe Hamadeh Introduces PROVE Act to Ensure Election Integrity by Requiring Voters to Prove State Residency

(JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORISM) HR 4863: Introduced 8/1/25 by Sessions (R-TX), “To amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act to provide for lump sum catch-up payments for certain 1983 Beirut barracks bombing victims and 1996 Khobar Towers bombing victims.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

(FY26 NDAA – Senate) S. 2296: When Congress comes back from recess, S. 2296, the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) will come up for amendment/debate on the Senate floor. As always, the base bill includes some key provisions related to the Middle East and funding for Israel. Also, as always, a huge number of amendments to the bill were offered (649 as of this writing), including many related to the Middle East and Israel. Many/most of these may not get a vote on the floor, but they are all worth paying attention to, since NDAA amendments are good indicators of members’ priorities (with respect to both policy and grandstanding. For full Middle East/Israel-related provisions in the base bill, as well as Middle East/Israel-related proposed amendments, see my comprehensive analysis.

2. Letters

3. Recess Travel to Israel & West Bank (to show support for/solidarity with Israel & Greater Israel)

Media

Members on the Record

  • Gottheimer (R-NJ) 8/8/25: X-post w/ pix – “My trip to Israel was vital to understanding what must be done to bring the hostages home, surge humanitarian aid to civilians, and end Hamas’ reign of terror in Gaza. I visited the Kerem Shalom border crossing and a GHF coordination site to see firsthand the efforts to get aid into Gaza. We must ensure aid can reach Gazans in need, not Hamas terrorists who continue to steal food from innocent Palestinians. With so much misinformation, there is no better way to understand the situation than to see it firsthand. Promoting stability in the Middle East strengthens U.S. national security.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/7/25: X-post – “Let me understand: Republicans shut down Congress because they didn’t want to pass @RepThomasMassie & my bill for the full release of the Epstein file and so they could meet Netanyahu?“
  • Harris (R-NC) 8/7/25: X-post – “Proud to stand with our great friend and ally, Israel“. Responding to X-post by Netanyahu (translated from Hebrew) – “I met last night with a delegation of Republican congressmen on behalf of AIPAC. I reviewed the course of the war in the Gaza Strip, and I addressed at length the issue of humanitarian aid and the false campaign that Hamas is waging against the State of Israel. I also spoke about the efforts to free our abductees, and I answered their questions that dealt with regional issues and the expansion of the Abraham agreements. During the meeting, Congressman Ibrahim Hamda, who came with his mother who grew up in Al-Sweida province, wanted to thank me for Israel’s support of the Druze in southern Syria.“
  • Goldman (R-TX) 8/6/25: X-post – “What a tremendous honor to join the @GOPMajorityWhip and so many of my freshmen @HouseGOP colleagues as we met with the @IsraeliPM in Jerusalem.“
  • Crawford (R-AR) 8/6/25: House Intel Chairman Crawford Leads First Bipartisan CODEL to Israel Since War with Iran
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/6/25: Gottheimer Co-Leads Bipartisan House Intelligence Committee Trip to Israel
  • Emmer (R-MN) 8/5/25: X-post – “This week, I have the honor of leading a delegation of House members on a trip to Israel with our friends from @AIPAC. We just got out of a very productive meeting with Israeli Prime Minister @netanyahu. Our resolve to stand alongside the Jewish community, bring the hostages home, and end Hamas’ terror once and for all remains stronger than EVER.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/4/25: X-post- “It was an honor to meet with Israeli Finance Minister @bezalelsm Smotrich today and to talk about our mutual fight to save Western Civilization. I look forward to working together.”

US Israel Education Association (USIEA)

[from their website re their congressional tours: “USIEA facilitates privately sponsored Congressional tours through Israel with a specific focus on the geopolitical dynamics inside of Judea and Samaria…The members’ firsthand experience in the region equips them with vital information on: Modern Israel in the context of the region’s history, including the two primary security fronts of Judea and Samaria…Efforts to build an integrated economy between Israelis and Palestinians in Judea and Samaria as a grassroots peace movement… “]

  • 8/7/25 X-post w/ video – “WATCH: A behind-the-scenes look at a USIEA Congressional tour. During this year’s trip, USIEA visited the site of the Nova Festival, where young Jewish Americans gathered in song to honor the memory of those brutally murdered by Hamas on October 7. That day marked not just a shift in foreign policy, it deeply impacted Jewish Americans across the country. To truly understand the meaning of October 7, you have to see it with your own eyes. That’s why USIEA brings senior members of Congress to Israel, to underscore both Israel’s role as a critical ally and its deep significance to American constituents. Learn more by visiting the link in our bio.”
  • 8/6/25 X-post w/ pics – “In this historic trip, USIEA was fortunate enough to facilitate a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson in Judea and Samaria. This meeting was the first of its kind. Johnson’s meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister marked the most senior visit from a U.S. official inside Judea and Samaria, commonly referred to as West Bank. Speaker Mike Johnson also met with Israeli officials in the city of Ariel earlier that day just over 10 miles away from the Green Line which marks the borders between Israel and the disputed Palestinian territories. The meeting also included U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, his daughter Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, as well as members of Congress Michael McCaul, Claudia Tenney, Michael Cloud, and Nathaniel Moran. As USIEA’s historic congressional tour continues to unfold, visit the link in our bio to learn more about our role in the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
  • 8/5/25: X-post w/ video – “NEW: For the first time in American history, a sitting Speaker of the House has arrived in Judea and Samaria. Speaker Mike Johnson now stands as the highest-ranking U.S. official to ever visit the region—sending a strong message of support at a critical moment. Judea and Samaria, often referred to as the West Bank, has long been the subject of international dispute. Israel captured the territory during the 1967 Six Day War, and Jordan formally relinquished its claim in 1988. Despite this history, many still label Israeli civilians in the area as “settlers,” denying their rightful connection to the land. By setting foot in Judea and Samaria, Speaker Johnson’s visit marks a powerful moment of recognition that this land is a vital part of Israel. USIEA is honored to have played a historic role in bringing Speaker Johnson, and we look forward to sharing more from this landmark tour in the days ahead.“
  • 8/3/25: X-post w/ video – “NEW: Speaker Mike Johnson reaffirms the United States commitment to a strong relationship with Israel while on USIEA’s Congressional Tour. ‘America will always stand with Israel.’ Speaker Mike Johnson is one of several leaders in Congress who attended this year’s USIEA Congressional Tour. ‘We are grateful for the privilege of being here in Israel today, on the day we recognize the destruction of the Temple twice in history,’ Speaker Johnson also stated, highlighting this important date. The Western Wall is one of the many historic stops in USIEA’s tour of Israel, stay tuned for more updates!“

Others

  • The Western Wall Heritage Foundation 8/6/25: House Majority Whip Tom Emmer During Visit to the Western Wall
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu 8/6/25: X-thread with pix – “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met yesterday evening with an @AIPAC-organized delegation of Republican members of the US Congress. The Prime Minister briefed the members of Congress on the war in the Gaza Strip and commented on the issue of the humanitarian assistance and the mendacious campaign being waged by Hamas against the State of Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu also referred to the efforts to release our hostages, and answered questions from the members of Congress on regional issues and expanding the Abraham Accords. During the meeting US Representative Abraham Hamadeh, who arrived together with his mother, who grew up in the Suwayda district, thanked the Prime Minister for Israel’s support for the Druze in southern Syria.” Also see press release – PM Netanyahu Meets with US Congressional Republican Delegation
  • Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu 8/5/25: X-thread with pix – “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu met last night with the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson and his wife Kelly Johnson, in the community of Shilo in Samaria. The Prime Minister and his wife were invited to a joint dinner attended by @USAmbIsrael Mike Huckabee and his wife; members of Congress Michael McCaul, Claudia Tenney, Michael Cloud and Nathaniel Moran; and Yesha Council chairman and head of Binyamin Regional Council Israel Ganz. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife also met, during the event, with Ditza Or, the mother of the hostage Avinatan Or.”
  • US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee 8/6/25: X-post w/ pic – “Great to host Congress members @RepRickCrawford @RepJoshG @RepRonnyJackson at @usembjerusalem So grateful they came to be eyewitness to situation in Israel & what is really happening in Gaza.”
  • Israel Genocide Tracker 8/5/25: X-post w/ pic – “American Zionists inside Al-Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied city of Hebron. A lone American war criminal meets Zionist U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson in desecrating the holy mosque during his West Bank tour.“
  • Netanyahu Advisor Caroline Glick [US citizen, sister of Bonnie Glick, who was Trump’s Deputy USAID administrator 2019-2020 – more here] 8/5/25: X-post w/ pic – “It was wonderful to see @SpeakerJohnson last night with his delegation at ancient Shiloh. As PM @netanyahu says, the best way to stand with Israel is to tell the truth. Speaker Johnson is a profound and courageous truthteller. America and Israel are blessed with him. Thank you.“
  • Israeli Minister of Economy Nir Barkat 8/6/25: X-post w/ pics (translated from Hebrew) – “On a special tour in Hebron together with the Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, and a delegation of Republican members of Congress. I thanked them for their support of Israel, even in the most challenging times, under the leadership of President Trump. We will continue to strengthen the historic alliance between Israel and the United States.“

4. Selected Members on the Record

Members finding creative ways to say they care about Gaza famine without suggesting Israeli responsibility (indeed, it almost feels like some templates are circulating on the Hill to help members craft statements of “concern” that boil down to standard WE STAND WITH ISRAEL, EVERYTHING IN GAZA IS HAMAS’S FAULT, CREDIT ISRAEL FOR HELPING! talking points…) 

  • DeLauro (D-CT) 8/7/25: X-post – “Occupying Gaza, which Israel has tried and abandoned before, will not bring back the hostages or enable ceasefire negotiations. It will only drag this deadly conflict out even longer.”
  • Randall (D-WA) 8/7/25: Congresswoman Emily Randall’s Statement on the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza [“What’s happening in Gaza right now breaks my heart and goes against everything we stand for as Americans. The United Nations has reported that more than 500,000 Palestinians are living in famine-like conditions, over 1,000 have been killed since May while attempting to access aid, and children are dying every day from malnutrition — all the while, hostages remain captive, and their families live in agonizing uncertainty. Schools, homes, hospitals, and places of worship have been reduced to rubble. Civilians — many of them children and infants — have been killed. Doctors, journalists, aid workers, and entire families have been lost. This is an unconscionable humanitarian crisis. The Oct. 7 attack shattered countless lives, and the aftermath has brought unimaginable pain and destruction, marking the start of one of the most devastating wars in modern history. Enough is enough. It’s time to end this war — to lay down every weapon, bring home every hostage, end the blockade, treat the wounded, protect all civilians, and feed every child in Gaza…“]
  • Sherman (D-CA) 8/7/25: Congressman Brad Sherman Statement on the Escalating Hunger in Gaza [“The ongoing hunger crisis in Gaza is tragic, and all must come together to reverse it immediately. Israel, the United Nations, and all NGOs operating in Gaza must work to surge humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza – not Hamas or criminal gangs, who exacerbate this hunger crisis by reselling free aid for astronomical prices in local markets. The best way to undercut this criminal enterprise is to flood Gaza with food aid and eliminate scarcity. I welcome the steps Israel has taken, including instituting humanitarian pauses and conducting airdrops of aid. However, these steps alone are not sufficient – it is clear that the current aid delivery system needs to be scaled up to adequately meet the needs in Gaza. That includes significantly increasing the number of Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s distribution sites to prevent crowding, establishing safer distribution processes, and distributing higher quantities of aid each and every day. I also call on all UN agencies and NGOs delivering aid to stop playing politics and work with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation to improve the aid delivery process – all mechanisms to feed Gazans should be pursued, and there shouldn’t be a turf war between the traditional aid agencies and the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Of particular concern is the scores of truckloads of food that are sitting inside Gaza but not being distributed by aid organizations. Israel has agreed to distribute this food inside Gaza or to allow the World Food Program and other aid organizations to distribute it within Gaza. Yet the World Food Program and others are unwilling to distribute the food within Gaza or let Israel do so. The fastest way to alleviate the suffering of Gazans and the hostages is for Hamas to release the hostages and lay down its arms and depart for Iran or another country willing to accept them. This would pave the way for legitimate Arab-led governance and allowing Gaza to be rebuilt. Those who criticize Israel but are silent in the face of Hamas’s starvation of hostages like Evyatar David and fail to place any pressure or accountability on Hamas only embolden Hamas’s continued rejection of ceasefire offers and encourage them to carry on with the fighting. Hamas must be defeated, and Israel and all aid agencies must work together to surge aid into Gaza immediately and alleviate this crisis.”]
  • Thompson (D-CA) 8/7/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Like every American, I am horrified by the starvation of two million civilians in Gaza. I continue to call on this administration to help negotiate the safe delivery of food to Gaza, a bilateral ceasefire, the return of all hostages, and to work towards a two-state solution to ensure peace for Palestinians and Israelis.“
  • Frankel (D-FL) 8/5/25: X-post – “Let’s be clear: Hamas’s October 7 attack was a brutal escalation of Iran-backed terror. Israel has the right to defend herself—and we must also deliver urgent aid to civilians in Gaza. We can and must do both. My full statement:” [with gif of full statement]
  • Shaheen (D-NH) 8/4/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. It’s vital that we get food in to those who desperately need it, and that starts with Israel opening up the humanitarian corridors.”

Concern for Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza, Concern for the West Bank, & actually mentioning Israel responsibility (to varying degrees) [and also caring about Israeli prisoners in Gaza]

  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/8/25: X-post – “Yes. This is a dangerous and illegal move and is exactly why the US must stop supporting this Israeli government with military aid.”  Responding to CBS News article, Israel’s plan to take over Gaza “must be immediately halted,” U.N. says
  • Escobar (D-TX) 8/8/25: X-post – “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people, not the Israeli government. People are starving right now. Providing food, water, and medical aid should be Israel’s priority – not enforcing an illegal and brutal occupation. What’s happening is a humanitarian catastrophe created by the Israeli government, and it cannot stand.“
  • Welch (D-VT) 8/7/25: X-post – “This is yet another reckless decision by Prime Minister Netanyahu. Israel occupying Gaza won’t help bring the remaining hostages home safely. It won’t make Israel safer. It will only continue to betray Israeli citizens and bring more suffering and death to innocent Gazans.”
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/7/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Netanyahu’s plan to reoccupy Gaza is key to the far-right’s goal of taking over Gaza & the West Bank and forcing Palestinians out. Meanwhile, Trump is making us a subcontractor in this operation. US taxpayers should not be funding what amounts to ethnic cleansing by another name.“
  • Takano (D-CA) 8/7/25: X-post – “A military occupation of Gaza would be a disaster. It’d punish civilians and make a two‑state solution even more difficult to achieve. President Trump must stop enabling Netanyahu, demand accountability from the Israeli government, and push for desperately-needed humanitarian relief as quickly as possible.”
  • Dexter (D-OR) 8/7/25: X-post – “The United States must halt the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel and ensure immediate, sufficient and sustained humanitarian aid into Gaza. The security, safety, self-determination and peace of Palestinians and Israelis alike depend on it.”
  • Goldman (D-NY) 8/7/25: X-post – “The current crisis in Gaza shocks the conscience and must be immediately addressed. My statement on the current situation:” with pics of the full statement
  • Sanders (I-VT) 8/7/25: X-post w/ video clip – “18,500 children have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza. Despite these war crimes, the US has provided more than $22 BILLION for the war. Our taxpayer dollars are being used to starve children, bomb schools & gun down hungry people as they wait for aid.“
  • Ossoff (D-GA) 8/7/25: Sen. Ossoff Again Demands Release of Evyatar David, Israeli Hostages in Gaza [“Evyatar David has been in captivity now for nearly two years. Hamas terrorists recently released footage in which Evyatar was tormented and exploited for purposes of propaganda. Again I call for the release of Evyatar and all hostages held in Gaza. I join leaders across Georgia’s Jewish community who have banded together to ‘adopt’ Evyatar in refusing to allow his captivity to be forgotten. I first met Evyatar’s brother, Ilay, when he visited Atlanta, and then hosted him at my Senate office in Washington. I remain inspired by the tenacity of his hope, and by his relentless effort to ensure his brother is not forgotten. Ever since our meeting I have kept a framed photo of Evyatar in my office and there it will remain until he is free. As I demanded on the Senate floor: Free Evyatar David.”]
  • Foushee (D-NC) 8/6/25: X-thread – “Yesterday, I cosponsored the Block the Bombs Act to prevent the sale of offensive weapons to Israel. (1/3)A ceasefire and de-escalation are urgently needed to ensure the sufficient flow of aid into Gaza and protect innocent civilians at aid delivery sites from military attacks. (2/3) We simply cannot continue to provide the Israeli government with weapons when they are not being used in accordance with international law to maximize the protection of civilians in Gaza. (3/3)”
  • Pocan (D-WI) 8/6/25: X-post – “Enough! Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza must be a red line. It will bring more civilian deaths, mass displacement, and worsen the already horrific humanitarian crisis. If he goes down this path, the world must say no and the U.S. must stop enabling it.“
  • Raskin (D-MD) 8/5/25: X-post – “Former Mossad, Shin Bet and IDF leaders join most of the world in demanding an immediate end to the Gaza war, saying it’s now an unjust, immoral and futile war of destruction guided by ‘messianic and extremist goals’ and threatening ‘the loss of Israel’s security and freedom.’ It must end now.“
  • Quigley (D-IL) 8/5/25: Quigley Calls for Recognition of Palestinian State
  • Jayapal (D-WA) 8/5/25: Statement on Lack of Humanitarian Aid, Genocide in Gaza [excerpt – “Each day, month after month, we in America are witnesses to, and complicit in, horrific and shocking images coming from Gaza. The population has been systematically starved, civilian infrastructure has been destroyed, and areas designated as ‘safe’ have been bombed. In order to generate the massive shift we need in U.S. policy to stop what is happening and to immediately ensure humanitarian aid into Gaza, we must confront hard truths. I believe it is time to name that the government of Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The word genocide was codified by the Genocide Convention in 1948 in direct response to the Holocaust – an atrocity in which six million Jewish people and millions of others were systematically and horrifically murdered, destroying Jewish communities across Europe. The Genocide Convention was ratified by the United States under President Ronald Reagan in 1988, and the purpose was to distinguish it from the actions of other parties so that actors can step in to protect lives when there is a risk of genocide. The Convention identifies both intent and actions as part of the determination. In Gaza since October 7th, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, including over 870 infants, and nearly 150,000 have been injured. Hundreds have died from malnutrition as humanitarian aid has been blocked by the Israeli Government or only offered at limited and dangerously militarized distribution sites. Large numbers of Palestinians have been shot at by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers even as they attempt to get food from designated sites. Ninety percent of the population in Gaza has been displaced from their homes and communities, forced to repeatedly flee to often unsafe and unsanitary conditions. We have also seen the repeated and indiscriminate destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools and universities, hospitals, religious sites, and farmland, making it nearly impossible for Palestinians to reconstitute as a group, a key factor of genocide. Top Israeli officials have repeatedly made the intent of these systematic actions clear, referring to the Palestinian people as ‘human animals,’ repeating that ‘there are no innocents in Gaza,’ or advocating for the complete relocation of the entire Palestinian population, essentially an ethnic cleansing. The United States is Israel’s largest supplier of arms, providing the Government of Israel billions of dollars in military aid. We have been derelict in not applying our own domestic laws to these military shipments and ignoring international humanitarian laws. This makes us complicit in this genocide. Now we must do everything in our power to uphold our legal obligations by refusing to fund weapons of war to the Government of Israel and by using all our leverage and diplomatic expertise to bring an end to this war and achieve a durable peace for Israelis and Palestinians…”
  • García (D-IL) 8/4/25: X-post – “Khamis Ayyad, an American citizen and longtime Cicero resident, was killed during an attack on his home in the occupied West Bank. He was trying to put out a fire set by Israeli settlers. I join his family in urging a full U.S. investigation into the incident and demand the accountability of those involved.“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/4/25: X-post – “Our party hungers for moral leadership. Let us oppose military aid used to kill civilians to Israel during a mass starvation & recognize a Palestinian state. Let us stand up for the rights of immigrants. Let us not abandon trans kids. It is time to stand for human dignity.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/4/25: X-post – “The fact that your rant compares @BarackObama to Chamberlain shows you are totally clueless about our politics. There is a new generation in America who you have lost and support following Britain, France, Canada and 147 nations to officially recognize a Palestinian state.” Responding to X-post from Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Chikli 8/4/25 – “Kudos to PM. Carney, who, like a four-year-old trailing after reckless friends, rushed to declare recognition of a Palestinian state out of FOMO. Empty words meant to appease a progressive and Muslim base, perhaps to soothe his conscience, as if this recognition shows genuine care for the people of Gaza. To hell with those truly suffering from hunger and rotting in Hamas captivity. To hell with the fact that this declaration rewards and endorses the murderous, rapist gangs of Hamas for their atrocities. The Jewish people are used to the cold shoulder from spineless leaders who cave to evil, thinking it’ll buy them peace or favor: Chamberlain, who boasted of ‘peace in our time’ by appeasing the Nazis; Thomas Walter, the Australian minister who, at the 1938 Évian Conference, said Australia wouldn’t take Jewish refugees to avoid ‘importing’ an antisemitism problem; Bevin, who blocked 100,000 Jewish displaced persons from reaching Mandatory Palestine; de Gaulle, who shielded the Nazi-collaborating Palestinian Mufti al-Husseini; and in our time, Barack Hussein Obama, who paved the way for Iran and its terror proxies to grow unchecked and enabled the Muslim Brotherhood’s rise in Egypt. We’ve outlasted Pharaoh, Antiochus, Titus, Hadrian, Chmielnicki, and Hitler. We’ll also outlast the Palestinian “three musketeers” from Paris, London, and Ottawa.”
  • Ro Khanna (D-CA) v. AIPAC on X 8/4/25 – 8/5/25: AIPAC 8/4/25: “Name a single concrete step @BernieSanders @ChrisVanHollen @SenPeterWelch @AOC @MarkPocan @RoKhanna @PramilaJayapal @repdeliaramirez are taking to increase pressure on Hamas to surrender power and free the hostages. How about to increase pressure on Hamas to accept a ceasefire?“| Khanna (D-CA) 8/4/25: “I have repeatedly called for Hamas to unconditionally release all the hostages and for Palestine to have a state without Hamas. Your turn. Name a single thing you’ve said to pressure Netanyahu to end the war or let in aid?“| AIPAC 8/5/25: “Take action, @RoKhanna. Hamas could end this war today by freeing the hostages and surrendering power. What concrete steps are you taking to force Hamas to change course? Asking them nicely hasn’t worked. Demonizing Israel emboldens Hamas to double down and extend this war“| Khanna (D-CA) 8/5/25: “Admit your policy is NEVER to criticize Netanyahu or Israel. Name one thing Netanyahu has done wrong. I supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas after Oct 7th horrific terrorist act. Netanyahu’s policies lost young Americans.“| AIPAC 8/5/25: “Don’t deflect, @RoKhanna. 50 hostages are in Hamas’ hands. Hamas is refusing ceasefire deals that would surge aid. Hamas could end the war today if it frees the hostages & surrenders power. What concrete steps are you taking to increase the pressure on Hamas to change course?“
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/3/25: X-post – “Yes, Hamas must release Evyatar David. It’s horrific what they are doing to hostages. Will you join the 22 Arab states, France, Britain, Canada, & Australia in calling for the recognition of a Palestinian state? Will you tell Netanyahu to let in food?” Responding to AIPAC X-post w/ video clip – “They won’t share his story. They won’t show what Hamas did to him. They won’t say his name: Evyatar David. And they won’t do anything to pressure Hamas to free him. @BernieSanders @ChrisVanHollen @SenPeterWelch @AOC @MarkPocan @RoKhanna @repdeliaramirez Silence says it all”
  • Sanders (I-VT) 8/2/25: X-post – “60% of Americans oppose Netanyahu’s barbaric war against the Palestinian people. We’re making progress in moving Democrats to vote against funding this war. Now it’s time to move Republicans. Does the average Republican want to spend billions starving children? I don’t think so.”
  • Khanna (D-CA) 8/2/25: X-post w/ video clip – “I asked citizens in a packed town hall in my district how they felt about my leading the call for the United States to officially recognize a Palestinian state. Watch their response.“
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/2/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has gone from horrible to hell on earth. Over 60K people have been killed, mostly women & children. The Netanyahu govt must allow the UN-led aid distribution system to resume. Children are starving, and we are on the brink of a full-blown famine“
  • Budzinski (D-IL) 8/1/25: X-post – “It’s abundantly clear the number of aid trucks entering Gaza are not nearly enough. This situation is dire. Israel must work to bring more food in and prevent further starvation of innocent children.”

WE STAND WITH ISRAEL ON GAZA, ON IRAN, & ON ANYTHING ELSE (& the only REAL starvation/genocide story is what Hamas is doing to Israeli hostages!)

  • Wilson (R-SC) 8/7/25: X-post – “I support @IsraeliPM’s proposal to provide governance to Gaza. This will protect Israeli civilians from Hamas rocket attacks whose covenant is to murder all Jews. It will also allow for safe delivery of food for the people of Gaza. Mutually beneficial to everyone.“
  • Torres (D-NY) 8/7/25: X-post – “The Associated Press chose not to highlight the suffering of hostages like Evyatar David—who is deliberately being starved and forced to dig his own grave—but instead to focus on the “struggles” of Hezbollah, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization that has fired over 10,000 rockets at Israel since 10/7. The media narrative suggests that Hezbollah, which has murdered hundreds of Americans, deserves our empathy. Here’s a radical thought: empathy should be reserved for the victims of terror rather than the terrorists themselves.“
  • Lummis (R-WY) 8/7/25: X-post – “It was a pleasure to join local AIPAC members in Teton County this week to discuss my strong support for Israel and the urgent need to confront antisemitism wherever and whenever it occurs. Grateful to Joan Goldfarb for putting together such a meaningful event!”
  • Scott (R-FL) 8/6/25: X-post – “Great being with Jewish and community leaders from Orlando to discuss how we can continue standing with Florida’s Jewish community and our friend and ally, Israel. As Florida’s U.S. Senator, I am proud to stand with them and against all forms of hate and antisemitism.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 8/6/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The SecState is right. There will be no peace with Hamas as their only goal is the destruction of Israel.”
  • Torres (D-NY) 8/6/25: X-post – “The Israeli hostages have been held captive for a staggering 670 days and counting, a level of suffering that most of us cannot begin to comprehend. In early April, I met with Ilay David, who spoke powerfully about need to secure the release of the hostages, including his brother Evyatar David. Ilay’s brother has not only been held captive for 22 months; he’s being deliberately starved and forced to dig his own grave in a visibly skeletal state. We must do everything we can to bring them home.”
  • Ernst (R-IA) 8/5/25: X-post – “Starving hostages and forcing them to dig their own graves is another example of Iran-backed Hamas’ utter lack of humanity. Rom Braslavski, Evyatar David, and ALL the hostages need to be returned NOW!“
  • Scott (R-FL) 8/5/25: X-post – “Ariel Bibas should be celebrating his 6th birthday, but instead, his family is grieving his death at the hands of Iran-backed Hamas. We will NEVER forget the Bibas family and the remaining hostages who Hamas kidnapped 669 days ago. Every day that passes, their lives are at risk—we must bring them all home!“
  • Budd (R-NC) 8/5/25: X-post – “The video released by Hamas over the weekend is horrific and highlights an alarming lack of moral clarity by nations condemning Israel while offering recognition of Palestine. The solution is simple: Hamas must release ALL hostages and end the war—or be destroyed.”
  • Cornyn (R-TX) 8/5/25: X-post – “Hamas Starves Jews and Palestinians, and Israel Gets Blamed by @gerardtbaker”. Linked to 8/4/25 Wall Street Journal op-ed – Hamas Starves Jews and Palestinians, and Israel Gets Blamed
  • Tenney (R-NY) 8/5/25: X-thread – “Hamas is deliberately starving its hostages, including American citizens, & Palestinian civilians to fuel a propaganda campaign. The Western media & pro-Hamas elite are complicit. They repeat false narratives to blame Israel, & ignore reality.Make no mistake: Israel is trying to end the conflict & Hamas is using suffering as a weapon to manipulate the world & hold onto power.”
  • Tenney (R-NY) 8/5/25: Congresswoman Tenney Releases Comprehensive Israel and Iran Plan
  • Cotton (R-AR) 8/4/25: X-post w/video clip – “There is one party to blame for children who are malnourished in Gaza: Hamas. Hamas has used food as a weapon for years by commandeering aid and prioritizing their own fighters.”
  • Cotton (R-AR) 8/4/25: X-post w/ video clip – “European leaders should not reward Hamas with the prospect of recognizing a so-called “Palestinian state.” The pressure should be put on Hamas until all of the hostages are returned and Hamas is completely defeated.“
  • Steil (R-WI) 8/4/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Boo if you want, but the answer is simple. Hamas should surrender and release the hostages. CNN followed by full answer.“
  • Senate Foreign Relations Committee (GOP) 8/4/25: X-post – “The videos Hamas released of Rom Braslavski & Evyatar David are extremely disturbing. Hamas is pure evil and deserves no place in this world. It is clearly intent on continuing its heinous acts—Qatar should eject them immediately.“
  • McCormick (R-PA) 8/4/25: X-post re Evyatar David – “To paraphrase my friend, @SenFettermanPA, where is the outrage?“
  • Tenney (R-NY) 8/4/25: X-post – “Ireland’s move to ban Israeli goods & de facto endorse BDS is morally bankrupt. Hamas fires rockets & Ireland attacks the only democracy in the region. This will impede the peace process, hurt US interests & damage our trade relationship. Shameful doesn’t begin to cover it.“
  • Bacon (R-NE) 8/4/25: X-post – “This war would end tomorrow if Hamas released the hostages they are starving & torturing. Israel and Int. community are bringing in food to Gaza but Hamas takes it from the people or targets those who deliver the food. Hamas started this war & refuses to make peace.”
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/3/25: X-post – “Israeli Hostage Evyatar David was brutally kidnapped and has been held at the hands of Hamas terrorists for 667 days. He has been deliberately starved, tortured, and made to dig his own grave for Hamas propaganda. The world’s silence and hypocrisy is disgraceful. We must bring home every hostage. We must crush Hamas.”
  • Ricketts (R-NE) 8/3/25: X-post – “My prayers are with Evyatar David and the remaining hostages held by Hamas. There can be no peace until Hamas is destroyed or surrenders.“
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/3/25: X-post – “Because I’m right. What is sickening is that Gaza started a genocidal war whose goal was to kill as many men, women, and children as possible. The death toll only stopped at 1200 because of the response. More than 40 of those were American. Gaza took 250 hostages as part of their genocial attack who Gazans have tortured and starved. Many of those were American too. Gazans allowed their homes, mosques, schools, and hospitals to be militarized using billions of dollars to create tunnels. And now Gazans are losing the war. Wars are horrible. If Gazans didn’t want the consequences of them, they should not start them. And if Gazans don’t want more of this, they can release the hostages and surrender. Please pass this message along to your pals.” Responding to X-post from Mehdi Hassan, “This man is a United States congressman. A Republican congressman from Florida. There will be no mass condemnation. No censure or attempt at censure. Republicans elect and elevate this ghoul. Democrats say very little in response to him. Sickening.” That post was commenting on a post showing mass destruction in Gaza with the question, “Did Gaza deserve it?” To which Fine answered, “Yes“.
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/3/25: X-post – “It is beyond repulsive that this Senator is including the deaths of Hamas terrorists in his 60,000 total — a number whose source is Hamas itself. Over 40 of the 1200 people the Gazans killed on October 7th were Americans. Disgraceful.” Commenting on 8/2/25 post from Sen. Van Hollen (above)
  • Stefanik (R-NY) 8/3/25: X-post – “The world must never forget that it was Hamas terrorists who slaughtered thousands on October 7th leading to the bloodiest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. It is Hamas that inhumanly captured hostages, and holds them in brutal captivity. We must demand that every hostage be returned home NOW.” [duplicate post here]
  • Weber (R-TX) 8/2/25: X-post – “Exactly. Why isn’t it? World: wake up!…rw” Responding to AIPAC X-post w/ photos taken from Hamas video of visibly starving Israeli prisoner, with comment – “em>Why isn’t this on the front page, @nytimes?
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/2/25: X-post – “I, like every rational American, stand fully behind Israel. Hamas is pure evil. They’re the ones gouging food prices and hoarding supplies to fund their war machine. They need to wave the white flag or get wiped out, plain and simple. When countries like Canada, France, and England start recognizing a ‘Palestinian’ state, they’re just pouring fuel on Hamas’s fire, letting those savages keep up their dangerous games. The world should be demanding their unconditional surrender. FREE THE HOSTAGES.”
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/2/25: X-post – “THIS is what starvation looks like. The Gazans made him dig his own grave on camera. Those who support the ‘Palestinian’ cause support evil incarnate.” [with photos of visibly starving Israeli prisoner held by Hamas]
  • Fine (R-FL) 8/2/25: X-post – “This is how I feel every day, from the time I wake up until the time I go to sleep. It’s how I’ve felt every day since October 7th. I am so grateful to have a President with the moral clarity to see evil for what it is. G-d blessed us with Donald Trump. May both of them save the tortured souls who have suffered so much.” linked to X-post from pro-Israel influencer Eyal Yakoby – “BREAKING: NPR reports that President Trump shed tears following the latest video Hamas released about the captive Evyatar David. He was furious at Hamas and sent a message to Israel to immediately start carrying out the hostage deal and then take revenge“
  • Torres (D-NY) 8/2/25: X-post – “The world’s silence about the deliberate starvation of Israeli hostages—at the hands of Hamas and Islamic Jihad—is as deafening as its hypocrisy. Expect the images of emaciated Israeli bodies, starved in captivity, to appear nowhere in the pages of most major American newspapers. A humanitarianism that devalues Jewish life is no humanitarianism at all, for it has been hollowed out by antisemitism.”
  • Scott (R-FL) 8/2/25: X-post – “Iran-backed Hamas terrorists have held innocent people hostage, starving them for 666 days. Just look at these photos – it’s gut-wrenching. Every day that goes by is a risk to their lives. We cannot stop until every hostage is home and Hamas is destroyed.”
  • Bacon (R-NE) 8/2/25: X-post – “The chilling video of Hamas hostage Evyatar David is a grotesque reminder of why America must stand with Israel and demand every hostage’s release. If Hamas released the tortured hostages, this war would end.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 8/2/25: X-post re Evyatar David – “I had the honor to meet with his family in my office. I cannot even begin to imagine the horror of this video for them. I continue to stand with these families and every last hostage. Hamas: send these poor souls home, disarm, and end this hell on earth in Gaza.”
  • Fetterman (D-PA) 8/1/25: X-post – “And Israel has plenty of missiles and knows where they sleep.” Posted with screenshot of Fox News headline, “Iran says it has ‘plenty of scientists’ left to restart uranium enrichment despite US, Israeli strikes“
  • Lawler (R-NY) 8/1/25: X-post w/ video clip – “The oppressor of the Palestinian people is Hamas. The world is a far better place today than it was before October 7th. That wouldn’t have happened if Israel hadn’t conducted the war the way they did.“
  • Cramer (R-ND) 8/1/25: X-post w/ video clip – “I joined @tperkins to discuss the supposed two-state ‘solution’ to the Israel-Gaza conflict. It’s disappointing to see countries like France, UK, and Canada cave to the propaganda campaign of Hamas terrorists. We also spoke about Senate Democrats stalling confirmation of @POTUS nominees, including those passed out of committee with bipartisan support.“
  • Kennedy (R-LA) 8/1/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Shame on my Democratic friends for not supporting Israel and freedom. The Middle East is a much safer place now that Israel has destroyed Hamas and Hezbollah and put Iran on its knees.“

MTG & Tom Massie v. AIPAC & pro-Israel funders

  • Greene (R-GA) 8/8/25: X-post w/ video clip – “Nuclear-armed Israel is not hurting, and they’ve already proven that they are more than capable of not only defending themselves, but annihilating their enemies to the point of genocide. The reason why AIPAC is attacking me is because I dared to tell the truth. We’re $37 TRILLION in debt. I’m fighting for America’s future generations. AMERICA ONLY now.“
  • Greene (R-GA) 8/8/25: X-post – “Good morning to everyone who is fed up with AIPAC, foreign aid and funding foreign wars, being enslaved in $37 trillion in debt, our dollar being weak, high cost of living, high cost of housing, property taxes, and H1B visas stealing American jobs. I hope you have a wonderful day!”
  • Greene (R-GA) 8/7/25: X-post w/ pic – “AIPAC is sending fundraising emails attacking me for saying, “the most truthful and easiest thing to say that Oct 7th in Israel was horrific and all hostages must be returned, but so is the genocide, humanitarian crisis, and starvation happening in Gaza.” Well this is the sign on the front door of my office and I think the truth is AIPAC doesn’t like it because I UNAPOLOGETICALLY REPRESENT AMERICA! I’m one of the only members of Congress that doesn’t take money from AIPAC, who donates way more money to Republicans than Democrats. The truth is AIPAC needs to register as a foreign lobbyist by U.S. law because they are representing the secular government of nuclear armed Israel 100%!!! While Congress is out on recess and supposed to be working in our districts, they just took a bunch of members of Congress to Israel to make sure they don’t step out of line. While AIPAC is lying to their donors about me claiming I’m “betraying my American values” the REALITY is AIPAC 1,000,000% serves and lobbies for a foreign country, Israel!! I’m as AMERICAN as they come! I can’t be bought and I’m not backing down!! I’m fighting for my children’s generation and for AMERICA ONLY!!!! Bring. It. On.” W/ pic of sign on her door reading: “NO FOREIGN LOBBYING – If you enter this office seeking funds on behelf of a foreign nation you may be in violation of 22 U.S. Code 611-62, Foreign Agents Registration Act, AMERICA FIRST“
  •  Massie (R-KY) 8/1/25: X-post – “Three billionaires from New York City and Las Vegas have funded a superPAC deceptively named Kentucky MAGA to run millions of dollars of negative ads against me because I vote against foreign aid for Israel and needless wars in the Middle East. Kentuckians aren’t falling for it.“

Antisemitism (defined to include protest actions focused on Israel & Israeli flag)

  • Olszewski (D-MD) 8/7/25: X-post – “As Marylanders, we must stand united against all forms of hate and antisemitism. This act of vandalism in Baltimore County is both alarming and heartbreaking. Grateful to @BaltCoPolice for acting quickly to help ensure the business remains safe and secure.” Linked to Fox News article, Israeli flag vandalized at Baltimore County business
  • Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/7/25: X-post – “Antisemitism has no place anywhere. Period. Hate is never an acceptable form of expression. Period.” Responding to X-post reporting on vandalism of Israeli flag
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/4/25: X-post – “Huda Kattan is spewing vile antisemitic lies to millions: accusing Jews of starting world wars, harvesting organs, causing 9/11, and running global pedophile rings. This isn’t just ‘criticism of Israel’ – it’s dangerous antisemitic hate. No retailer should be giving her a platform to spread such hate.” Responding to 8/4/25 Jonathan Greenblatt/ADL post, “.@tiktok_us made the right call here. As @jlensnetwork’s Ari Hoffnung said, ‘Retailers have a choice. They can continue to platform a brand whose founder promotes hate-fueled conspiracy theories, or they can take a stand against antisemitism.’” Linked to CNN article, TikTok pulls video of Huda Kattan after beauty mogul spreads anti-Israel conspiracy theories
  • Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/3/25: X-post – “The goal of the antisemitic BDS movement is the eradication of Israel, America’s critical democratic ally in the global fight against terror. I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to give the Department of Education a critical new tool to combat the dangerous, hate-fueled, antisemitic BDS movement on college campuses.” COVERED IN LAST WEEK’S ROUND-UP

Other stuff

  • Tenney (R-NY) 8/8/25: X-post – “Mahmoud Khalil, a ringleader of the pro-Hamas protests at Columbia, admitted it: The October 7 massacre “had to happen” to stop peace between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Deport him. Immediately.” Linked to New York Post X-post – “Today’s cover: Mahmoud Khalil ripped over attempt to ‘justify’ Oct. 7 attack in Ezra Klein, NYT interview: ‘Must be immediately deported‘” and article [Read the interview that is the basis of the attack to see what Khalil actually said i context…]
  • Lankford (R-OK) 8/7/25: X-post – “As leader of the Abraham Accords Caucus, I have seen how much of a success the Abraham Accords have already been. Every new country that joins makes the Middle East and the world safer. @POTUS continues to lead where it matters.”
  • Blackburn (R-TN) 8/4/25: This Far-Left Union Has Put Woke Agenda Over Students. Here’s How Congress Can Hold It Accountable. [targeting the NEA]

5. Selected Media

Elections/Politics

Evolving Views in Congress on Israel/Gaza 

Standing With Israel, Supporting Genocide, Etc.

Other stuff

  • The Forward 8/7/25: A Florida college student said ‘F— Israel.’ Now she’s under federal investigation [“…Rep. Randy Fine, a Florida Republican who believes the case’s treatment should serve as a national model, said that Deckerhoff might elicit pity from those who ‘feel bad for this kid whose life is over.’ But Fine, who is Jewish, is unbothered. ‘Live by the Muslim terror sword, die by the Muslim terror sword,’ he said in an interview with the Forward…Florida State said on social media that Rodrig had reported the incident on Wednesday and that it was investigating. But Fine, the south Florida congressman who refers to himself as the ‘Hebrew Hammer,’ saw the footage on Thursday evening and demanded the school expel Deckerhoff, who he called ‘a Muslim terrorist.’ Minutes later he followed up to announce that he’d contacted the school and they had agreed to suspend Deckerhoff  ‘until an expulsion hearing’ and ban her from campus. ‘It took only one call,’ Fine boasted. Florida State would not answer questions about what role Fine played, but six minutes after his social media post the university released a new statement stating Deckerhoff ‘has been prohibited from returning to campus’ and referring to her behavior as an ‘instance of antisemitism.’ ‘I think I was helpful,’ Fine said in an interview from Israel, where he was traveling this week. Roughly 20 minutes after Florida State announced that Deckerhoff had been banned from campus, Attorney General Pam Bondi said that Dhillon and the local U.S. attorney were investigating the case. ‘Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Florida or anywhere else,’ she wrote.”]
  • Times of Israel 8/7/25: GOP congressman says US will push for Israeli withdrawal if Lebanese army secures Lebanon
  • Jewish Insider 8/4/25: Landsman calls on Qatar to detain Hamas leaders until hostages are freed
  • Campus Reform 8/4/25: Lawmakers push bill to defund schools backing BDS movement [“Two U.S. representatives have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at holding colleges accountable for involvement in the anti-Israel Boycott, Divest, Sanctions (BDS) movement. Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Virginia Foxx (R-NC) introduced the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, which seeks to cut federal student aid to institutions that engage in commercial or academic boycotts promoted by BDS“] COVERED IN LAST WEEK’S ROUND-UP
  • Jewish News Syndicate 8/4/25: Nonprofit asks House ed panel to protect Jewish grad students from antisemitic union