1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters & Reports
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Selected Members on the Record
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements

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New from FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:

• 7/15/26: The betrayal of Gaza’s journalists, ft. FMEP President Lara Friedman in conversation with Anan Quzmar, a Palestinian researcher focused on the systematic targeting of Palestinian journalists and the broader destruction of Gaza’s documentation ecosystem; and  Zo Brown (an alias), the founder of Databases for Palestine
• 7/13/26: The Biden administration and genocide: An interview with investigative journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed – FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with award-winning foreign affairs journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed into the backstory of and some key themes in his new (and eagerly awaited) book: Crossing the Red Line – Biden, His Advisors, and Israel’s War in Gaza.

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1. Bills & Resolutions

ISRAEL/MIDEAST IN HOUSE FY27 NSRP BILL [formerly SFOPS]

(FY27 NSRP Bill) HR 8595 — State-of-play:

THE BILL

On 7/13/26, the House Rules Committee adopted yet another Rule governing consideration of HR 8595 – the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 (NSRP) – on the House floor (the THIRD Rule it has adopt on this bill). This comes on the heels of the failure of the House to pass the previous Rule to bring HR 8595 to the floor – bundled with HR 8800 (the NDAA) and attaching to the whole thing the “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act” (S. 1383) — a gambit intended to assuage demands of some GOP members, covered in excruciating detail in the 7/2/26 edition of the Round-Up. The new Rule – which became H. Res. 1423 – is the same as the previous ones with respect to the amendments ruled “in order” [listed in the table below], and also reprises the gambit of attaching the SAVE Act. This week that gambit actually worked: the House passing H. Res. 1423 by a party-line vote of 215-211.

On 7/15/26 – following debate/grandstanding/votes on amendment, the House passed HR 8595 – the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2027 (NSRP) – by a party-line vote of 217-209.

The far-reaching Israel/Middle East-related provisions (funding, reports, conditions, etc) in the bill are laid out in this special edition of the Round-Up.  Also see: previous reporting on the bill, actions in the Rules Committee regarding the bill, and Israel/Middle East-related amendments offered to the bill, in the 7/2/26 edition of the Round-Up.

The bill now goes to the Senate (which will delete the entire text approved by the House and replace it with its own version of the bill).

THE MASSIE AMENDMENT

On 7/14 – 7/15/26, the House took up HR 8595 – including, notably, the Massie Amendment to bar all U.S. aid to Israel — which reads: “SEC. __. No funds for Israel. (a) None of the funds made available under this Act shall be obligated or expended for Israel. (b) The amount otherwise made available by this Act for ‘Foreign Military Financing Program’ is hereby reduced by $3,300,000,000.”

Notably, Massie introduced a similar amendment to the FY26 NSPR bill (see: the 1/16/26 edition of the Round-Up) and to the FY26 NDAA (see the 12/12/25 edition of the Round-Up) — in neither of those cases did Republican leaders allow the amendment on the floor for a vote. Their decision to do so this time around comes in the context of rising grassroots opposition to aid for Israel and criticism of the US-Israel relationship — grounded in nearly 3 years of live-streamed destruction and genocide in Gaza, escalating Israeli terrorism in the West Bank, Israel’s mass destruction and ethnic cleansing in Lebanon, and the widely-held view that Israel pushed/manipulated the Trump Administration into war with Iran. The objective in bringing the amendment to the floor appeared to be: to engineer a politically costly no-win situation for Democrats, weaponizing the issue of support for Israel to divide the caucus and ensure that, no matter what Democrats did, important constituences would be enraged — pro-Israel groups/constituents/funders angered if members vote YES, and the grassroots and increasingly energized/effective progressive groups angered if they vote NO. And all of this on an amendment that never had any chance of passing (thanks to Republican votes). The actual outcome, however, was something quite different.

On 7/15/26, the House REJECTED the Massie Amendment by a vote of 104-314.  A closer look at that vote, and the statements/positions made by Democrats irrespective of their vote, tells a much bigger story.

• Nearly 50% of Democrats voting in favor of the amendment (103 our of a total of 212 Democrats currently in the House).
• 10 Democrats voted “present.” This means that, between the “yes” and “present” votes, more than 50% of Democrats opted to NOT oppose an amendment to cut off aid to Israel, despite opposition from House Leader Jeffries (D-NY) [whose opposition included permission for members to vote their consciences] and lobbying by AIPAC and other legacy pro-Israel groups.
• Almost every member who voted “yes” or “present”, and many of those voting “no,” issued statements laying out powerful criticisms of Netanyahu and/or Israeli policies, along with concrete/explicit expressions of readiness to support different legislative measures targeting US aid for and policy with respect to Israel — such that the bottom line impact of this vote is to fundamentally reset Democratic party policy on Israel, including with respect both to current/future aid, the next MOU, and the question of pressure/sanctions.
• Among those voting “yes” or “present” are a number of members who are a significant number who are actively supported by AIPAC
• Among those voting “no” are a number are being or have already been primaried by candidates from the left (in races where support for Israel may be a key difference between the candidates).

Statements/comments about the vote from Democrats are collected here.

• The compilation offers a useful snapshot into the framing/language/policies articulated in relation to this amendment, much of which represents unprecedented public expressions of criticism of Israel and unprecedented expressions of readiness and intent to change the US-Israel relationship.
• Individually and collectively, these statements underscore that, regardless of how members voted on this amendment, for most Democrats in Congress the era of knee-jerk support for unconditional, unquestioned/unexamined, ceaselessly expanding U.S. aid for Israel is well and truly OVER, as is the era of knee-jerk accusations that anyone who dares to question or oppose aid to Israel is “antisemitic.”.

REVIEW OF ALL MIDDLE EAST-RELATED AMENDMENTS

The table below runs down the fate of all Middle East-related amendments to HR 8595 that were voted on by the House. Floor debate on all of these amendments is here.

Amendments offered to HR 8595 that were made “in order” & How They Fared

Topic	Amdt # + link	Intro’d by	Description/Summary	Status
Israel	Amdt #5 [In Rule: #8]	Massie (R-KY)	“Strikes $3,300,000,000 in grants for Israel, prohibits funds appropriated by the Act from being used for Israel, and accordingly reduces the Foreign Military Financing Program account by $3,300,000,000.”	FAILED by a vote of 104-314-10
Jordan	Amdt #6 [In Rule: #9]	Massie (R-KY)	“Strikes $2,100,000,000 in assistance for Jordan, prohibits funds appropriated by the Act from being used for Jordan, and accordingly reduces the National Security Investment Programs, the Foreign Military Financing Program, the Global Health Programs, and other programs accounts, collectively, by $2,100,000,000.”	FAILED by a vote of 6-421
Targeting the UN	Amdt #93 [In Rule: #20]	Roy (R-TX)	“Late Prohibits any funds from being made available to the United Nations.”	FAILED by a vote of 136-291
Targeting Palestine Aid (et al)	Amdt #94 [In Rule: #21]	Roy (R-TX)	“Late Strikes the exemption provision that allows foreign assistance to flow through nongovernmental organizations in countries subject to aid restrictions, ensuring such restrictions apply equally to NGOs and foreign governments.”	PASSED by Voice Vote as part of En Bloc amendment
Jerusalem/Temple Mt  [Making the Temple Mt Israeli Again!]	Amdt #101 [In Rule: #28]	Tenney (R-NY)	“Late Increases and decreases funding for the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom by $1M to emphasize the importance of ensuring religious freedom and equal access for all with respect to the Temple Mount.”	PASSED by Voice Vote [see: US House passes Temple Mount amendment to advocate for Jewish prayer rights (Jerusalem Post 7/16/26]
Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI)	Amdt #157 [In Rule: #23]	Roy (R-TX)	“Late Prohibits funds appropriated or otherwise made available by the Act from being used for the Middle East Partnership Initiative.”	Not Offered

Pro-Israel organizations on this Massie Resolution:

• Democratic Majority for Israel 7/17/26: The Right Lessons From the Massie Vote [“We’re now seeing the consequences of Netanyahu’s bad bet.“]
• American Jewish Committee – reported in Jewish Insider 7/17/26: Ted Deutch criticizes ex-colleagues’ votes on ‘meaningless,’ ‘ridiculous’ Massie amendment [“the AJC CEO told JI on the sidelines of the Aspen Security Forum that he was ‘glad to see’ that many of his colleagues acknowledged that the amendment to cut military aid to Israel was ‘bad policy’”]
• AIPAC 7/15/26: “Today, the House of Representatives voted to fully fund $3.3 billion in lifesaving security assistance to Israel, overcoming a dangerous amendment that would have stripped all the resources for Israel from the NSRP appropriations bill. We are deeply appreciative of the 314 Republicans and Democrats who voted to reject Thomas Massie’s latest anti-Israel effort and are disappointed by the 103 Democrats who voted with Massie to weaken America and our ally Israel. This so-called messaging vote on Israel’s security sends a dangerous signal to both our allies and our enemies around the world. The Rules Committee allowed this vote at the behest of Rep. Massie, who is seeking every opportunity to undermine the U.S.-Israel relationship in the wake of his primary defeat in May.  Security assistance helps our democratic ally protect its families from unparalleled threats and advances a partnership integral to America’s national security. The appropriations bill passed today by the House funds the ninth year of the 10-year U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) negotiated by President Obama. Under the terms of the MOU, nearly all of this year’s assistance will be spent in the United States, creating American jobs and strengthening our industries. Next year, the final year of the MOU, 100% of the assistance will be spent in the United States. In addition to fully funding the $3.3 billion in annual security assistance to Israel, the House included several other key pro-Israel provisions in its National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act. AIPAC appreciates the House funding the Nita Lowey Partnership for Peace Act and prohibiting any U.S. funding for anti-Israel bodies, including UNRWA, the ICC, ICJ, and the UNHRC’s Commission of Inquiry (COI) against Israel. AIPAC applauds the leadership of the Appropriations Subcommittee, Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart and Subcommittee Ranking Member Lois Frankel, for their work to include the pro-Israel provisions in the bill. We remain committed to strengthening support in Congress among Democrats and Republicans for America’s partnership with Israel. AIPAC members will be actively engaged throughout this election cycle, and future election cycles, to support members of Congress of both parties who support a strong U.S.-Israel alliance and oppose those who don’t.“
• J Street 7/15/26: “Today’s vote marks a turning point in the Democratic Party’s approach to U.S. policy toward Israel. J Street opposed the Massie amendment, as it was an overly broad and poorly drafted political stunt designed to divide Democrats rather than advance a responsible strategy for reshaping American policy and ending the conflict. Yet, the outcome of today’s vote sends a strong message. Through statements and votes, the majority of House Democrats demonstrated that there is now broad agreement within the Democratic caucus that it is time for a fundamentally different American approach to the U.S.-Israel relationship and the region. That sentiment was echoed by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who voted no when he said, ‘American policy in the Middle East must change.’ And it was picked up by Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, who voted yes and said, ‘We must change course.’ Today’s vote reflects the emerging consensus in the Party – the debate will no longer be about whether U.S. policy should change, but rather how it must change. That new policy must reaffirm America’s enduring commitment to Israel and its security while equally advancing the rights, freedom and self-determination of the Palestinian people. It must end the blank check support for Israeli policies that have long been the hallmark of U.S. strategy and instead be willing to use American leverage and incentives to drive changes in behavior that advance the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians.  This is a moment that signifies an end to the era of paying lip service to the need to change the reality in the region. We welcome House Democratic leadership taking a stronger stance on using U.S. leverage to pressure the Israeli government to change course. Such an approach is the best way to achieve both a sovereign Palestinian state and a secure Israel at peace, integrated with all of its Arab neighbors – the 23-state solution.  The old Washington consensus has come to an end. The work of building a new one has begun.”
• Union of Reform Judaism 7/15/26: “On behalf of the Reform Jewish Movement, which encompasses 825 congregations, 2000 rabbis, and 1.8 million Reform Jews, we write to urge you to vote No on the Massie amendment to the FY 2027 National Security, State Department, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. This harmful amendment would eliminate U.S. aid to Israel, damaging both U.S. interests in the Middle East as well as Israel’s long-term security. We write from a place of resolute love for the people of Israel and unwavering dedication to strengthening robust Israeli democracy and national security – alongside a firm commitment to Palestinian self-determination, clear rejection of settlement expansion, and unyielding opposition to extremists whose actions and ideologies threaten Israel’s well-being and the ability of its citizens and all people in the region to live in peace and security. Many have expressed genuine concerns about Israel’s conduct of its military campaigns. Yet a vote to dissolve aid to Israel is the wrong way to send that message. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Netanyahu said in an interview with The Economist that he wants to end U.S. military aid within the next 10 years. Unfortunately, this amendment acts with haste, immediately suspending $3 billion in aid. It ignores the genuine security challenges Israel faces from hostile state actors and terror entities. It makes no distinction between aid for offensive, defensive, and dual use weapons. Voting against this amendment is not an endorsement of any leader, government, or policy. It is, rather, a commitment to remaining in a meaningful relationship with one of the United States’ key allies, including engaging forcefully and candidly where there are areas of disagreement. We urge you to oppose the Massie amendment when it comes to the floor for a vote.”
• Democratic Majority for Israel 7/15/26: “The House was right to reject Representative Thomas Massie’s reckless amendment. It would have weakened Israel, emboldened Iran and its terrorist proxies, and undermined American security interests. We thank the House Democrats who voted no, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, and Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Gregory Meeks. Republican leaders should never have brought this sweeping amendment to the floor. It was a naked attempt to drive a wedge within the Democratic Party, and it threatened longstanding funding not only for security assistance, but also humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and joint programs that benefit Americans, Israelis and Palestinians. At the same time, the number of Democrats who supported it sends a loud and clear message. Many said they were expressing deep frustration with the Netanyahu government over settlement expansion, violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, extremists in its coalition, and the devastation in Gaza. The Israeli government should not dismiss those concerns. Frankly, this vote should serve as a wake-up call that significant work is needed to repair its relationship with Democrats — not only to preserve bipartisan support in the United States, but also to protect Israel’s long-term security and prosperity. The Massie amendment deserved to fail. But defeating it is not enough. Pro-Israel Americans must rebuild the bipartisan coalition that has sustained the U.S.-Israel alliance and make the case for it to the next generation.” Also see DMFI video clip here.
• J Street 7/14/26: “J Street opposes Rep. Massie’s amendment on Foreign Military Financing (FMF) for Israel. It is poorly drafted, overly broad and being used by Republican leadership to divide Democrats rather than advance a serious debate about US policy. We support Leader Jeffries’ decision to oppose the amendment while not whipping against it. We also recognize that, for many Democrats, this is one of the few opportunities to cast a recorded vote expressing opposition to the way American military assistance and American-supplied weapons have been used by the Israeli government in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and elsewhere. Members may reasonably conclude that voting no, present or yes is the best way to reflect those competing concerns. We support those members who vote yes to signal their opposition to unconditional FMF and support for stronger oversight of how US security assistance is used. We likewise support members who vote no or present while making clear their opposition to the Netanyahu government’s conduct and their commitment to a different US policy. What unites the overwhelming majority of Democrats is far more significant than this procedural vote: support for the security and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians; opposition to settlement expansion, occupation and the misuse of American weapons; and a commitment to a diplomatic resolution that delivers freedom, security and self-determination for both peoples. We hope, as Leader Jeffries articulated, that members on all sides of this vote will make those shared principles clear.”
• Democratic Majority for Israel 7/15/26: “It is deeply irresponsible that Rep. Massie is pushing this sweeping amendment and that Republican leaders are using it to politicize the U.S.-Israel relationship by bringing it to the floor. Leader Jeffries has long been a strong supporter of the U.S.-Israel alliance, and we’re pleased he will vote against the Massie amendment, which would eliminate most, if not all, U.S. assistance to Israel and undermine programs that advance American security, regional cooperation, and peacebuilding. We urge all Democrats to follow his lead. While we do not agree with every policy outlined in Jeffries’ letter, we appreciate his commitment to ensuring that America’s support for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state remains ironclad. We also appreciate Leader Jeffries’ commitment to preserving Israel’s qualitative military edge and support for mutually beneficial defense programs that will promote the security of Israelis and Americans alike.”

Media:

• MS Now 7/16/26: Rep. Ro Khanna: Why I voted against further U.S. aid to Israel [“I was detained recently in the West Bank. I oppose selling weapons to Israel that are used to kill Palestinians or sending U.S. aid that furthers the apartheid status quo.“]
• Jewish Insider 7/16/26: Smith says he was pressured to vote against Israel aid by violent, far-left activists
• Wall Street Journal 7/16/26: The House Vote on Israel Echoes Past Betrayals [“103 Democrats vote to deny arms to a U.S. ally in wartime.”]
• Jewish Insider 7/16/26: Jeffries pledges new approach to Israel policy if Democrats retake House majority
• Times of Israel 7/16/26: US House defeats amendment to end Israel aid, but nearly half of Democrats vote in favor [including lots of member quotes]
• Haaretz 7/16/26: Democrats Rejected U.S. Aid to Israel, and AIPAC Couldn’t Stop Them [“AIPAC’s standing in American politics is at an inflection point like never before: its lobbying efforts cannot make a difference on the most essential votes on U.S.-Israel ties, and its electoral efforts have made it toxic for many voters and candidates alike“]
• Democracy Now 7/16/26: We Are Sending a Message to Netanyahu: Rep. Jayapal on 100+ Dems Voting to Cut Israeli Military Aid
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/15/26: Reform movement urges lawmakers to reject Massie amendment that would end US aid to Israel
• Jewish Insider 7/15/26: House Democrats attempt to appease party base in voting for resolution cutting off aid to Israel [“Over a dozen Democrats recently supported by AIPAC swung to support the amendment by far-right GOP Rep. Massie in a move that would have been unimaginable not long ago”]
• Politico 7/15/26: Katherine Clark, No. 2 House Democrat, backs cutting Israel aid [“Her support for an amendment poised for a vote Wednesday breaks with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.“]
• Politico 7/15/26: In seismic shift, more than 100 House Democrats vote to end Israel aid [“The amendment to block military assistance failed, but partisan split cemented the increasingly polarized view of the U.S. ally.”]
• Haaretz 7/15/26: 103 House Democrats Vote to Cut U.S. Aid to Israel in Landmark Symbolic Vote [“The amendment sponsored by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ken.) failed to pass, but revealed the shift in the Democratic Party’s consensus on U.S.-Israel relations.”]
• Haaretz 7/15/26: Congress Votes Force Democrats to Make a Stand on the Future of U.S.-Israel Relations [“Two pieces of legislation on military assistance – the NDAA and NSRP – might mark the moment the Democratic Party began moving past decades of largely unconditional support for Israel.“]
• Jewish Insider 7/15/26: No. 2 House Democrat Katherine Clark will vote to cut off aid to Israel [“Clark called the amendment a Republican stunt and ‘overly broad,’ but said she’ll support it anyway because the U.S. ‘must change course’“
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/15/26: Minority of House Dems vote to continue aid to Israel, as amendment to cut funding fails 104-314 [“Only 93 members of the Democratic caucus opposed an amendment to end aid Israel in a vote that split the Democratic leadership and further revealed one of the sharpest divides in politics on the American left.“]
• Washington Post 7/15/26: House vote exposes Democrats’ widening divide over Israel
• Punchbowl News 7/15/26: House Dems continue sharp turn against Israel
• Jewish Insider 7/15/26: Nearly half of House Democrats vote to cut off aid to Israel [“Even as the amendment was overwhelmingly rejected, the vote underscores the anti-Israel mood within the Democratic Party is growing“]
• Democracy Now 7/15/26: Progressives Push Back as House Democratic Leader Opposes Ending Military Aid to Israel
• Sludge 7/14/26: Jeffries Opposes Bid to Cut Israel Aid After Record AIPAC Earmark [“…On May 20, AIPAC PAC sent two earmarked payments—$87,500 and $61,800, totaling $149,300—to the Jeffries Battleground Protection Fund, a joint fundraising committee that splits proceeds between Jeffries’ own campaign, the DCCC, and more than a dozen frontline House Democrats…“]
• New York Times 7/14/26: Jeffries to Oppose Cutting Off Aid to Israel but Calls for a ‘Major Reset’
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/14/26: Democrats split ahead of vote whether to cut $3.3 billion in U.S. aid to Israel
• Politico 7/14/26: Hakeem Jeffries says he will oppose bid to cut off Israel aid
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/14/26: Jeffries opposes Massie bid to eliminate US aid to Israel
• Axios 7/15/26: Democrats squirm over vote to shut off aid to Israel
• Punchbowl News 7/14/26: Jeffries opens door to distancing from Israel
• Jewish Insider 7/14/26: Jeffries opposes effort to cut all aid to Israel, but calls for ‘urgent change’ to relationship

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ISRAEL/MIDEAST IN THE FY27  NDAA (SENATE)

(FY27 SENATE NDAA) S. 4784 — state of play:

On 7/14/26, Senate leaders tried to bring S. 4748 to the Senate floor for debate/amendments/votes. In order to do this they first needed the Senate to pass a motion agreeing to bring the bill to the floor (technically a motion to end debate on whether to bring it to the floor). That motion, which required a 2/3 vote to pass (60 votes), FAILED by a vote of 50-46. This was immediately followed by a motion to reconsider that vote, which also FAILED, also by a vote of 50-46. All Republicans voted “yes” both times; all Democrats voted “no” except for four who didn’t vote: Fetterman (D-PA), Justice (R-WV), McConnell (R-KY), and Padilla (D-CA). Democrats’ reasons for voting “NO” varied, but prominent among them were opposition to funding Trump’s Iran War and opposition to provisions in the base bill that would effectively weld the US and Israeli militaries.

As of this writing it remains to be seen whether/how the NDAA will make it to the Senate floor.

Members re: Voting Against the FY27 Senate NDAA

• Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/13/26: speech on the Senate floor (full text in the Congressional Record)
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/14/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Today, the Senate will take a key vote on a $1.1 TRILLION defense bill. Not only does this effectively green light Trump’s illegal Iran war, it also gives the Israeli govt immense leverage over our national security. In 2023, we saw firsthand the risk that could pose“
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/14/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Tomorrow, the Senate will take a key vote on the $1.1 TRILLION defense bill. It not only fails to rein in Trump’s Iran war, it also has a provision touted by PM Netanyahu to MANDATE more U.S. defense cooperation with Israel. None of this is in our national security interests. I will vote NO.“
• Van Hollen (D-MD) 7/13/26: X-post with video of his floor statement – “Senators should vote NO on proceeding with the Pentagon funding bill. It supports a huge increase in spending, gives a blank check to Trump’s Iran war, & includes Netanyahu’s proposal REQUIRING more cooperation with the Israeli military…:”
• Markey (D-MA) 7/14/26: X-post – “I just voted to block Trump’s defense budget on the Senate floor. No more funding for endless war. Slash the Pentagon now.”
• Wyden (D-OR) 7/14/26: X-post – “I cannot support a blank check for Trump’s illegal war in Iran and fast-tracking deeply troubling and dangerous surveillance collaboration with Netanyahu’s government. I voted no.” Also Wyden statement: “I also cannot support new authorities included in the bill which seek to deepen and accelerate cooperation with Israeli contractors on surveillance and AI technologies that are ripe for abuse. On Netanyahu’s watch, surveillance technologies developed by Israeli companies have repeatedly been used by repressive regimes, contributed to human rights violations in Gaza, and have been used against Americans. The Netanyahu government’s actions in Gaza and West Bank make clear that the current Israeli government’s actions are not aligned with U.S. interests and the safety of civilians.”
• Sanders (I-VT) 7/14/26: X-post – “At a time when millions struggle to pay the bills, virtually every Senate Republican voted for a staggering $1.15 trillion Pentagon bill, which includes funding for the illegal and immoral war in Iran and a special provision to provide even more weapons to Israel with almost zero oversight. It’s time to invest in the American people, not endless war.”
• Merkley (D-OR) 7/14/26: X-post – “I’m a NO on the NDAA. I can’t support excessive military spending, de facto approval of Trump’s illegal war with Iran, and deeply troubling provisions that force deeper U.S.-Israeli defense and intelligence sharing.”

Media

• Jewish Insider 7/15/26: Amid Iran war concerns, Democrats pump brakes on Senate defense bill [“Senate Democrats voted in lockstep to block a procedural motion to open debate on the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act“]
• New York Times 7/14/26: Senate Democrats Block Defense Bill Over War in Iran [“The vote reflected how the political debate over the conflict in the Middle East has sapped bipartisan support for a normally popular measure.” [Article completely omits mention of senators’ opposition to Israel-related provisions]

Additional Amendments Introduced Since the Last Round- Up

New Middle East-related amendments to S. 4784 introduced since the last update on amendments in the Round-Up are included at the end of the table below.

Topic	Amdt # + link	Intro’d by	Description/Summary	Status
Iran/Hezbollah	S. Amdt. 5892	Curtis (R-UT)	STRATEGY TO COUNTER IRANIAN AND HEZBOLLAH INFLUENCE OPERATIONS IN LATIN AMERICA.	Introduced
Iran/Hezbollah	S. Amdt. 5895	Curtis (R-UT)	COUNTERING TERRORISM BY HEZBOLLAH.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 5898	Duckworth (D-IL)	IRAN WAR ACCOUNTABILITY.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 5902	McCormick (R-PA)	Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026	Introduced
Israel/West Bank	S. Amdt. 5932	Welch (D-VT)	PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO ASSIST IN ANNEXATION OF THE WEST BANK.	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 5936	Wyden (D-OR)	STOP FOREIGN SPYWARE ACT.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amtd. 5943	Warnock (D-GA)	JUSTICE FOR UNITED STATES VICTIMS OF STATE SPONSORED TERRORISM. [adding new Iran-related provision]	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 5952	Gallego (D-AZ)	REPORT ON MILITARY INSTALLATIONS IMPACTED BY CONFLICT WITH ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN.	Introduced
Israel/Mideast	S. Amdt. 5960	Kaine (D-VA)	REPEAL OF JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST.	Introduced
No flags but US flags (no exception for Israel)	S. Amdt. 6032	Marshall (R-KS)	PROHIBITION ON FLAGS OTHER THAN THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES.	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 6055	Scott (R-SC)	REPORTS ON FOREIGN BOYCOTTS OF ISRAEL.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6056	Scott (R-SC)	STATEMENT OF POLICY ON REPEAL OF SUNSET OF IRAN SANCTIONS ACT OF 1996.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6093	Kaine (D-VA)	PROHIBITION ON USE OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES WITH RESPECT TO IRAN.	Introduced
War Powers	S. Amdt. 6094	Kaine (D-VA)	MEANING OF INTRODUCTION OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES INTO HOSTILITIES FOR PURPOSES OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION.	Introduced
Qatar	S. Amdt. 6131	Murphy (D-CT)	GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE REVIEW OF CERTAIN AIRCRAFT PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT OF QATAR.	Introduced
Qatar	S. Amdt. 6132	Murphy (D-CT)	PROHIBITION ON CERTAIN TRANSFERS OF AIRCRAFT PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT OF QATAR.	Introduced
Israel [targeting Sec. 845]	S. Amdt. 6139	Van Hollen (D-MD)	Strike section 845. Strike section 1217 and insert the following: SEC. 1217. STUDY ON ISRAEL DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY COOPERATION INITIATIVE.	Introduced
Israel [targeting Sec. 1217]	S. Amdt. 6140	Van Hollen (D-MD)	Strike section 1217.	Introduced
UAE	S. Amdt. 6141	Van Hollen (D-MD)	PROHIBITION ON SALE, EXPORT, OR TRANSFER OF MAJOR DEFENSE EQUIPMENT TO CERTAIN COUNTRIES. [“No sale, export, or transfer of major defense equipment (as defined in section 47 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2794)) may be provided to any country that the President identifies as supporting the Rapid Support Forces or the Sudanese Armed Forces through provision of materiel or other resources or equipment.”]	Introduced
UAE	S. Amdt. 6142	Van Hollen (D-MD)	LIMITATION ON SALES AND EXPORTS OF COVERED DEFENSE ARTICLES TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES.	Introduced
Israel (targeting Sec. 845)	S. Amdt. 6143	Van Hollen (D-MD)	“At the end of section 845, add the following: (d) Limitation.–No funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for the Department of Defense may be made available for the implementation of section 1217 until the feasibility study required under subsection (a) and the briefing required under subsection (c) have been provided to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.”	Introduced
Israel (targeting Sec. 1217 & Sec. 845)	S. Amdt. 6144	Van Hollen (D-MD)	“Strike section 845. Strike section 1217.”	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6155	Gallego (D-AZ)	PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS TO RECOGNIZE IRANIAN AUTHORITY TO RESTRICT COMMERCIAL NAVIGATION THROUGH THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ.	Introduced
Law of War	S. Amdt. 6163	Durbin (D-IL)	SENSE OF CONGRESS ON COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW OF WAR.	Introduced
South Africa/Israel	S. Amdt. 6223	Kennedy (R-LA)	U.S.-South Africa Bilateral Relations Review Act [linked to SA criticism of Israel]	Introduced
Genocide perpetrators	S. Amdt. 6224	Kennedy (R-LA)	PROHIBITION ON ALLOCATIONS OF SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS AT INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND FOR PERPETRATORS OF GENOCIDE AND STATE SPONSORS OF TERRORISM WITHOUT CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORIZATION. [for sure not intended to apply to Israel, but Israel not exempted]	Introduced
Persian Gulf	S. Amdt. 6251	Schatz (D-HI)	REPORT ON EXPOSURE OF INSTALLATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES AT RISK IN THE PERSIAN GULF.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6253	Schatz (D-HI)	REPORT ON IMPACTS OF SANCTIONS ON MILITARY CAPABILITIES OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6268	Schatz (D-HI)	PROHIBITION OF REPROGRAMMING OF FUNDS TO PAY FOR DAMAGES FROM IRANIAN STRIKES WITHOUT EXPLICIT CONGRESSIONAL APPROVAL; REPORT ON DAMAGES.	Introduced
Israel/Hamas	S. Amdt. 6269	Schatz (D-HI)	REPORT ON ENFORCEMENT BY CIVIL-MILITARY COORDINATION CENTER OF ISRAEL-HAMAS CEASEFIRE. (a) to include ” (1) An overview of the process the Center used to monitor the agreed upon Israel-Hamas ceasefire that went into effect in October 2025. (2) The number of ceasefire violations the Center registered between the Israel Defense Forces and Hamas. (3) An assessment of the ability of the Center to intervene to stop ceasefire violations, including the number of ceasefire violations that were averted as a result of intervention by the Center. (4) An assessment of casualties associated with each ceasefire violation, including who or what was targeted and the resulting damage. (5) An assessment of the civilian casualties in Gaza impacted by ceasefire violations. (6) An assessment of how often the demarcated “yellow line” factored into ceasefire violations and resulting casualties.”	Introduced
War Powers	S. Amdt. 6276	Kaine (D-VA)	WAR POWERS RESOLUTION AMENDMENTS	introduced
War Powers	S. Amdt. 6277	Kaine (D-VA)	MODIFICATION OF TIMELINES APPLICABLE TO REMOVAL OF UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES FOR PURPOSES OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6283	McCormick (R-PA), Rosen (D-NV)	Stop Corrupt Iranian Oligarchs and Entities Act of 2026	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6317	Slotkin (D-MI)	PROHIBITION ON USE OF TAXPAYER DOLLARS FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR IRAN.	Introduced
Bahrain/region	S. Amdt. 6323	Rosen (D-NV), Ernst (R-IA), Booker (D-NJ)	REPORT AND STRATEGY ON INCREASING MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY INTEGRATION AND PROSPERITY AGREEMENT.	Introduced
Yemen	S. Amdt. 6324	Rosen (D-NV), McCormick (R-PA)	Houthi Human Rights Accountability	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6327	Rosen (D-NV), McCormick (R-PA), Blumenthal (D-CT),  Cornyn (R-TX)	REPORT ON INTERNET FREEDOM IN IRAN	Introduced
Israel Normalization – Eastern Med	S. Amdt. 6357	Booker (D-NJ), McCormick (R-PA)	EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN GATEWAY ACT	Introduced
Turkey/Cyprus	S. Amdt. 6358	Booker (D-NJ), Moran (R-KS)	MODIFICATION TO WAIVERS OF LIMITATIONS ON TRANSFER OF ARTICLES ON UNITED STATES MUNITIONS LIST TO THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS.	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 6373	Cotton (R-AR)	To add the entire FY27 Intelligence Authorization Act to the NDAA, including the section mandating far-reaching US intelligence sharing with Israel	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 6403	Welch (D-VT)	“Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence, provide to all members of Congress and appropriately cleared staff of members and committees of Congress a classified briefing, and submit to Congress and such members and committees a classified report, on counterintelligence threats posed by the Government of Israel.”	Introduced
Israel (targeting Sec. 1217)	S. Amdt. 6404	Welch (D-VT)	“At the end of section 1217, add the following: (c) Effective Date.–This section shall take effect upon certification by the Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, that the military and security forces of the Government of Israel have not, during the three years preceding the date of the enactment of this Act, engaged in wanton destruction of civilian infrastructure, crimes against humanity, or ethnic cleansing in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, or any other geographic area that came under the administration of the Government of Israel after June 5, 1967.”	Introduced
Turkey	S. Amdt. 6441	Lankord (R-OK)	LIMITATION ON USE OF WAIVER AUTHORITY FOR TRANSFER OF F-35 AIRCRAFT TO TURKEY.	Introduced
Algeria	S. Amdt. 6480	Shaheen (D-NH)	IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED STATES-ALGERIAN DEFENSE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING.	Introduced
Yemen	S. Amdt. 6487	Shaheen (D-NH)	“Degrading Houthi Networks in the Horn of Africa”	Introduced
West Bank	S. Amdt. 6488	Shaheen (D-NH)	“LIST OF INSTANCES OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN THE WEST BANK. — The Secretary of State shall submit to Congress– (1) a list of all instances of political violence that have occurred in the West Bank during the period beginning on July 19, 2024, and ending on the date of the enactment of this Act, including–(A) attacks by Palestinians against Israelis; and (B) attacks by Israelis, including violent extremist settlers, against Palestinians; and (2) a list of individuals involved in such attacks whose actions may be sanctionable under existing law.”	Introduced
Egypt	S. Amdt. 6489	Shaheen (D-NH)	ASSESSMENT OF MILITARY COOPERATION BETWEEN EGYPT AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6493	Shaheen (D-NH)	ANNUAL REPORT ON FOREIGN MALIGN INFLUENCE ACTIVITIES [including Iran]	Introduced
Lebanon	S. Amdt. 6504	Shaheen (D-NH)	SECURITY STABILIZATION STRATEGY – requires strategy to “1) to expand Lebanese state services; and (2) to increase legitimate political participation in Lebanese communities that are currently dependent on parallel services from Hezbollah.”	Introduced
Lebanon	S. Amdt. 6505	Shaheen (D-NH)	Authorizing security assistance for Lebanon: contingent on: “(i) the Government of Lebanon has declared Hezbollah’s military activities illegal; and (ii) the Lebanese Armed Forces are implementing directives of the Government of Lebanon regarding– (I) the establishment of a monopoly of force within Lebanon; and (II) the disarmament of Hezbollah.” [plus other stuff	Introduced
Lebanon	S. Amdt. 6506	Shaheen (D-NH)	LEBANON ILLICIT GOODS AND FINANCES PROGRAM.	Introduced
Lebanon	S. Amdt. 6507	Shaheen (D-NH)	Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act	Introduced
Syria	S. Amdt. 6508	Shaheen (D-NH)	REPEALS OF SYRIA SANCTIONS STATUTES.	Introduced
Syria	S. Amdt. 6509	Shaheen (D-NH)	Requiring a report that “describes the foreign assistance strategy of the United States in support of United States-Syria policy and provides comprehensive details on foreign assistance programs (including humanitarian and nonhumanitarian efforts) inside Syria paused or canceled since January 2025”	Introduced
Lebanon	S. Amdt. 6525	Shaheen (D-NH)	To support continued humanitarian assistance “in furtherance of the political and economic stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Lebanon...”; on “reconstruction,” to establish incentive fund for reconstruction of Lebanese government services and infrastructure and mandating US diplomacy to raise funds for this purpose; requiring a report to Congress	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 6574	Cotton (R-IN)	To add the entire FY27 Intelligence Authorization Act to the NDAA, including the section mandating far-reaching US intelligence sharing with Israel	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 6600	Fischer (R-NE)	To insert into the bill Sec. 1219, the “UNITED STATES-ISRAEL COOPERATION ON EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.” That section reads: “The amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 by section 4201 for Combating Terrorism Technology Support, Defense-wide, is hereby increased by $50,000,000, with the amount of the increase to be available for emerging technology cooperation between the United States and Israel.”	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6607	McCormick (R-PA)	Requiring a “REPORT ON OLIGARCHS AND CORRUPTION IN IRAN.”	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6608	McCormick (R-PA)	Adding to the bill a lengthy new section entitled: “Iran Human Rights, Internet Freedom, and Accountability Act of 2026”	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 6609	McCormick (R-PA)	To add a section, “Unmanned System Command and Control Integration Assessment”, which includes a review of “Israel’s Multiple Drone Operating System, including an analysis of its technical architecture, its demonstrated operational effectiveness in managing simultaneous civilian, commercial, and military unmanned aircraft systems operations, the interoperability and integration lessons learned from its deployment that are applicable to United States Armed Forces unmanned aircraft systems command and control operations, and its cybersecurity and emergency prioritization mechanisms.”	Introduced
Iran/Hezbollah	S. Amdt. 6638	Curtis (R-UT)	To add to the bill the “Barring Adversarial Networks and Notorious Extremist Destabilizers in Latin America Act” or the “BANNED in Latin America Act”	Introduced
Houthis	S. Amdt. 6650	Shaheen (D-NH)	To add to the bill a new section entitled, Degrading Houthi Networks in the Horn of Africa	Introduced
Turkey	S. Amdt. 6653	Lankford (R-OK)	To add to the bill a new section entitled,”ASSESSMENT OF PROCUREMENT BY TURKEY OF DUAL-USE MILITARY COMPONENTS AND TECHNOLOGIES.”	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6658	Schatz (D-HI)	To add to the bill a section entitled, REPORT ON IMPACTS OF SANCTIONS ON MILITARY CAPABILITIES OF THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN AND THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6659	Schatz (D-HI)	To add to the bill a section entitled, REPORT ON EXPOSURE OF INSTALLATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES AT RISK IN THE PERSIAN GULF.	Introduced
Iran	S. Amdt. 6673	Scott (R-SC)	To add to the bill a new section, STATEMENT OF POLICY ON EXTENSION OF SUNSET OF IRAN SANCTIONS ACT OF 1996.	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 6683	Cotton (R-AR)	An amendment to add a whole bunch of stuff to the bill, including the Intelligence Authorization Act	Introduced
Israel	S. Amdt. 6691	Wicker (R-MS)	Amendment from the Chair of the Armed Services Committee to attach a slew of amendments on this table to the bill, including Cotton’s Intelligence Authorization Act, with its provisions mandating far-reaching US intelligence sharing/cooperation with Israel	Introduced

 

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Other Stuff

(DISMANTLING UNRWA) HR 9680 [bill text]: Introduced 7/14/26 by Lawler (R-NY) and 24 cospsonors [23 Republicans plus Gottheimer (D-NJ)], “To require the Secretary State to submit to Congress a strategy to dismantle United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East operations, and for other purposes,” ala the “Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act.” Also see: Lawler press release – Chairman Lawler Introduces Bill to Replace UNRWA with Accountable Humanitarian Assistance [which includes endorsements from exactly as diverse a set of groups as one would expect: AIPAC, JINSA, CUFI, and FDD Action]; Reps. Lawler, Gottheimer introduce bill to dismantle and replace UNRWA (Jewish Insider 7/14/26); Bipartisan House bill calling for UNRWA to be permanently dismantled, replaced ‘long overdue,’ experts say (Jewish News Syndicate 7/15/26). Also see Lawler X-post w/ video clip. 7/16/26: “Humanitarian aid must reach those who truly need it, not strengthen organizations with ties to terrorism. But the fact is, UNRWA has been corrupted by Hamas for years, with documented ties to terrorism. That’s why @repJoshG and I have introduced the bipartisan Replace UNRWA with Real Humanitarian Assistance Act to abolish UNRWA and replace it with trusted partners that will deliver aid to those who need it, without empowering terrorist organizations.”

(IRAN WAR POWERS) S. J. Res. 200: Introduced 76/13/26 by Schiff (D-CA) and 5 cosponsors, “A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against the Islamic Republic of Iran that have not been authorized by Congress.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Also see: press release – Sen. Schiff Files New War Powers Resolution After Collapse of U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

(BARRING TRUMP FROM KEEPING PLANE GIFTED BY QATAR) S. 4999 [bill text]: Introduced 7/15/26 by Murphy (D-CT) and 8 cosponsors (all Democrats), “A bill to prohibit certain transfers of aircraft provided by the Government of Qatar, and for other purposes,” aka the “Luxury Jet Ethics and Transparency Act.” Referred to the Committee on Armed Services. Also see: Murphy press release – Murphy Introduces Bill to Block Trump from Taking Qatari Jet With Him When He Leaves Office

(BARRING ENTRY TO THE US OF PALESTINIANS & OTHER ALIENS “OF CONCERN”) HR 9710: Introduced 7/15/26 by Mace (R-SC), “To prohibit aliens who are nationals of certain countries of identified concern from entering the United States, and for other purposes” aka the “Third World Immigration Moratorium Act.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. Also see: Mace press release – Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill to Slam the Door on Third World Countries Endangering American Communities (including list of nations whose citizens would be barred entry to the US: “Afghanistan, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma, Burundi, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Cuba, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and aliens with travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority. [emphasis added]”

(US SHOULD JOIN THE ICC!) H. Res. 1435 [resolution text]: Introduced 7/15/26 by Omar (D-MN) and 4 cosponsors (all Democrats), “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the United States should ratify the Rome Statute and join the International Criminal Court.“ Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs and the Judiciary. Also see: press release – U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar Introduces Resolution Urging U.S. to Join International Criminal Court; Ilhan Omar introduces resolution urging US to join international criminal court (The Guardian 7/15/26)

(LEVERAGE CRITICISM OF GRAHAM TO ATTACK US MUSLIMS [and Democrats]) H. Res. 1436: Introduced 7/15/26 by Van Duyne (R-TX) and 24 cosponsors (all Republicans), “Condemning Omar Suleiman for celebrating the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and acknowledging that House Democrats invited him to serve as the Guest Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2019.” Referred to the House Committee on House Administration. Note that the “resolved” clauses of the resolution include stating that the House “recognizes Senator Graham’s role in strengthening the relationship between the United States and Israel” and “supports the work of House Republicans in raising awareness about the dangers of Sharia Law and its incompatibility with American legal principles, constitutional governance, and individual liberty.”

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Reporting/posts on Block the Bombs:

• Ramirez (D-IL) 7/17/26: X-post – “Netanyahu has not ended his genocidal campaign in Gaza. The Israeli military continues to drop US-made bombs to murder Palestinian children and families. Congress must act now to pass my Block the Bombs Act and end the genocide of Palestinians!”
• Sanchez (D-CA) 7/14/26: Sánchez cosponsors Block the Bombs Act
• Foster (D-IL) 7/13/26: X-post – “NEW: I am officially a cosponsor of the Block the Bombs Act.  I initially supported the Ceasefire Compliance Act, which would have withheld offensive weapons from the Israeli government if it refused to change course in the West Bank and Gaza. Netanyahu refused. With that in mind, I believe that unconditional restrictions on our arms transfers, like those included in the Block the Bombs Act, are now necessary.  The United States simply cannot continue sending unconditional military aid to the Israeli government. We must work toward a two-state solution that ensures peace, security, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.“

Reporting/posts on other previously introduced legislation:

• VoteLog 7/14/26: AIPAC disclosed lobbying Pentagon on U.S.-Israel technology provisions in defense bill, filings show
• The Hill [op-ed by Sens. Rosen (D-NV) and Lankford (R-OK) 7/10/26: With alarming rise in antisemitism, Congress must pass the Jewish American Security Act

2. Letters & Reports

• (STOP POLITICIZING ANTI-TERROR POLICY) 7/16/26: Meeks, Keating Lead Dems in Letter to Rubio on Politicization of Counter Terrorism [letter text]
• (INVESTIGATE MAMDANI OVER OFFICIALS SCHEDULED MEETING WITH IRANIAN AMBASSADOR) McDowell Leads Letter Calling on DOJ to Investigate Potential Logan Act Violations by New York City Mayor’s Office [letter text]. Also see: House Republicans call for investigation into Mamdani staffer’s planned Iran meeting  (Jewish Insider 7/16/26); McDowell (R-NC) X-post 7/16/26: “Mamdani doesn’t speak for America. President Trump does. Today I led a letter calling on the DOJ to investigate whether Mamdani’s Administration violated the Logan Act by engaging in unauthorized communications with the Islamic Republic of Iran.” REMINDER: On March 9, 2019 – in the midst of Obama Administration negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program, 47 Republican senators issued an open letter to “leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran” warning Iranian leaders that any agreement that they sign with Obama that does not have congressional approval could be reversed by the next president “with the stroke of a pen.”
• (INCLUDE ISRAEL IN INDIA-MIDEAST-EUROPE ECONOMIC CORRIDOR) 7/15/26: See Lawler (R-NY) X-post – “Israel must remain a central part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Today, I urged Secretary Rubio to ensure the United States stands firmly behind Israel’s continued inclusion in this landmark economic and infrastructure initiative. Removing Israel from IMEC would undermine the vision of greater regional connectivity, economic integration, and long-term stability that the corridor was designed to advance. The U.S. should use every diplomatic tool available to ensure Israel remains an essential partner in this effort.“
• (ACCOUNTABILITY FOR US BOMBING OF IRANIAN SCHOOL) 7/13/26: Gillibrand, Colleagues Demand Pentagon Release Long-Awaited Report On U.S. Bombing Of Iranian Elementary School [letter text]
• (OPPOSING PROVISION IN SENATE NDAA TO WELD US/ISRAEL MILITARIES, & EFFORT TO MANDATE US INTELL SHARING/COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL)  7/9/26: Dear Colleague letter signed by Van Hollen (D-MD), Sanders (I-VT), Merkley (D-OR), Welch (D-VT), Markey (D-MA) and Warren (D-MA) [letter text]

3. Hearings & Markups

July 22, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs will hold what promises to be an Israel/Greater Israel hegemony-in-the-region-love-fest of a hearing entitled, Building a New Regional Security Architecture: The Next Phase of the Abraham Accords. Scheduled witnesses are:

• Former US Ambassador to Israel (and longtime settlement/Greater Israel supporter) David Friedman;
  Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel;
• Asher Fredman, Executive Director of the Israeli organization the “Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy” [that last part of the name, “and Zionist Strategy,” is mysteriously absent from the meeting notice] – note that this is the organization that shortly after the 10/7/23 Hamas attacks published a paper making the case for Israel to use the 10/7 attacks as a pretext for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. As reported at the time: “On October 17, the Misgav Institute for National Security & Zionist Strategy published a position paper (PDF) advocating for the ‘relocation and final settlement of the entire Gaza population.’ The report advocates exploiting the current moment to accomplish a long-held Zionist goal of moving Palestinians off the land of historic Palestine. The report’s subtitle makes it clear: ‘There is at the moment a unique and rare opportunity to evacuate the whole Gaza Strip in coordination with the Egyptian government.’”; and
• Former US Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro (who shortly after finishing his role as ambassador decided to stay in Israel [“Shapiro acknowledged it was somewhat unusual for him to remain in country after his service. But his ties to Israel are much more than professional. The six years he spent representing the Obama administration here were part of a lifelong commitment to the country“] and joined a think tank in Tel Aviv, the Institute for National Security Studies, as a fellow; he is now at the Atlantic Council).

July 22, 2026: The House Foreign Affairs will hold what promises to be an exercise in anti-UN and pro-Israel grandstanding in the form of a hearing entitled, United Nations Accountability and Reform: Advancing an America First Foreign Policy Through Strategic Diplomacy and Burden Sharing. Scheduled witnesses are US ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz and US Representative to the UN (for management and reform) Jeff Bartos.

July 15, 2026: The House Committee on Education and the Workforce held a hearing entitled, “Training Activists, Not Physicians: The Impact of DEI on Medical Schools [hearing video].” Witnesses were: Dr. Steve Dubinett, University of California (statement); Dr. Sam Hawgood, University of California (statement); Dr. Roger A. Mitchell, Jr., National Medical Association (statement); and Dr. Enrico Benedetti, University of Illinois College of Medicine (statement). See: Med school deans tell House panel they’ve axed anti-Israel, ‘settler colonialism’ courses [“Republican lawmakers on the House Committee on Education and Workforce grilled the leaders of three public medical schools over their past diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 7/15/26)

• Jerusalem Center for Security & Foreign Affairs 7/15/26: The Ro Khanna Stunt and Israel’s Missing Strategic Response: What Must Now Be Done [“The controversy surrounding U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna’s visit with Palestinians underscores the need for a national strategy to counter political provocation, coordinated influence operations, and the erosion of Israel’s diplomatic legitimacy.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/15/26: Huckabee disputes Khanna account of Judea and Samaria stop
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/14/26: ‘High-level sources’ say Khanna’s description of Judea and Samaria incident didn’t happen, Gottheimer tells JNS [“’This was just an opportunistic move and then not really sincere,’ the Jewish congressman said of his fellow House Democrat.“]
• Times of Israel 7/14/26: US lawmaker detained by settlers says lack of punishment shows Israeli complicity [“Israel’s ‘genocidal’ response to October 7 and the ‘apartheid’ conditions in the West Bank lead Ro Khanna to drop ‘pro-Israel progressive’ label he was using 4 years ago“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/14/26: Israeli envoy accuses Rep. Khanna of staged provocation [“Amb. Yechiel Leiter said the U.S. congressman ignored coordination offers and used a brief military stop to spark an anti-Israel media frenzy.”]
• Jerusalem Post 7/13/26: Ro Khanna’s West Bank detention exposed Israel’s settler dilemma – analysis  [NOTE: This article, from the notably not-left-wing Jerusalem Post, by the notably not-left-wing Yonah Jeremy Bob, wholly backs up the version of events offered by Rep. Khanna and those accompanying him. Nonetheless, US defenders of Israel, including fellow Democrats in Congress, continue to push the narrative that Khanna is lying about what happened.]
• Jerusalem Post 7/12/26: Souring Israel: When American Jews favor Mamdani over Netanyahu – editorial
• Jewish Insider 7/12/26: Khanna calls for investigation into West Bank incident as IDF disputes lawmaker’s account [“Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter said Khanna had declined a request to coordinate with the embassy for the trip where he was stopped by Israeli settlers in the West Bank“]
• Jerusalem Post 7/12/26: One detail in the IDF statement changes the whole Ro Khanna story [“The army’s account has one armed man. His tweet has settlers, plural, brandishing rifles. Somebody’s description is wrong, and it can be checked.“]
• Jerusalem Post 7/12/26: Netanyahu denies settler community behind Khanna West Bank incident
• The Intercept 7/11/26: Armed Israeli Settlers Detained Ro Khanna. He Wants Their Illegal Outposts Demolished. [“In an interview, Khanna recounts the fear at being detained and says anyone who visits the West Bank ‘would conclude that it is apartheid.‘”]
• New York Post 7/11/26: Lefty California Dem drops veiled threat to IDF after claiming he was detained in West Bank
• Reuters 7/11/26: US Democrat Ro Khanna detained by Israeli settlers during West Bank visit
• New York Post 7/11/26: Ro Khanna blew off offer to meet former Israeli hostages, Oct. 7 survivors on ‘campaign trip’: source
• Times of Israel 7/11/26: US Democrat Ro Khanna says he was detained by armed settlers during West Bank visit [“California congressman, who is weighing run for presidency, says men with rifles blocked his group’s vehicles for over an hour as he toured destroyed Palestinian village, were then backed up by soldiers“]
• Politico 7/11/26: Khanna says he was detained by the Israeli military and settlers in the West Bank [“As the congressional Democrat visited an abandoned Palestinian village, masked men with guns stopped his group and refused to let them leave.“]
• New York Times 7/11/26: An American Politician Is Blocked by Israeli Settlers in the West Bank [“Representative Ro Khanna was barred from leaving for 90 minutes. Where past U.S. leaders toured the region to show support for Israel, today’s Democratic presidential aspirants are going to bolster their credentials as critics.”]

Death of Lindsey Graham, standard-bearer in Senate for Israel

• Jewish Insider 7/17/26: Lindsey Graham’s sudden death leaves his legislative priorities in limbo
• Haaretz 7/16/26: Lindsey Graham Wasn’t Israel’s Friend – He Was a Friend of Its Worst Instincts
• Jerusalem Post 7/15/26: Netanyahu set to attend Lindsey Graham’s funeral in DC, meet with Trump
• NBC News 7/14/26: With Graham’s death, Israel loses a staunch ally for its increasingly unpopular cause [“’Within the Republican Party, he stood for a faction that is getting smaller, one that viewed Israel as a stalwart ally of the United States,’ one analyst told NBC News.“]
• Jewish Insider 7/13/26: Tributes pour in after death of Lindsey Graham, Israel’s staunch defender in the Senate [“Trump, Cruz, Fetterman, Coons and Jewish organizations remembered the South Carolina Republican, who died suddenly at 71“]
• Reason 7/13/26: Last of the Neocon ‘Three Amigos’: Lindsey Graham Dies Unexpectedly [“…Sometimes, Graham complained that Americans were too bigoted against Muslims to support spreading democracy in the Middle East. Other times, he claimed that the doctrine of Shiite Islam “compels them to kill all the Jews” and implied that dropping a nuclear bomb on Gaza would be acceptable. In between his statements of support for the “brave Iranian people,” he declared that “Iranians cheat and they lie” and made wisecracks about their bad genes….after an American protester was shot by Israeli commandos in 2010, Graham stated: “I’m not asking the Israeli government to apologize to me for killing an American citizen. I’m urging American citizens to act responsibly.”]
• Al Jazeera 7/13/26: Lindsey Graham’s legacy: Israel advocate, Trump ally, Iran war supporter [“Late US senator backed invasion of Iraq, war on Iran and approach of ‘more for Israel’ as he became a Trump confidant.”]
• Jerusalem Post 7/12/26: ‘One of Israel’s greatest friends’: Netanyahu, Herzog lead tributes as Israel mourns Lindsey Graham
• Haaretz 7/12/26: Lindsey Graham’s Death Leaves Israel Without a Clear Voice in Trump’s Ear [“Lindsey Graham knew how to speak Trump’s language like few others, and there is no obvious successor among Republican hawks with his charisma and access. His death leaves an open question: Who will take up the mantle as the most effective conduit for Netanyahu’s messages to Trump?“]
• The Forward 7/12/26: Lindsey Graham, pro-Israel Trump confidant in the Senate, dies suddenly at 71 [“Graham’s last visit to Israel was in February, just before the U.S.-Israel war on Iran“]
• YNet 7/12/26: ‘A great friend’: Israeli leaders bid farewell to Lindsey Graham after reported cardiac arrest
• YNet 7/12/26: Lindsey Graham was more than Israel’s friend; he was its iron shield in Washington [“Graham was not merely a standard “friend of Israel” on Capitol Hill. He was an iron defender and a moral shield who never hesitated to stand before the cameras and proclaim the justice of Jerusalem’s cause.”]
• AIPAC 7/12/26: AIPAC mourns the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham
• Axios 7/12/26: Inside Lindsey Graham’s final push for Saudi-Israel peace
• Al Jazeera 7/12/26: What made US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham a controversial figure [“Known for his hawkish views on US defence and foreign policies, Graham strongly supported Ukraine in its war with Russia and Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories.”]
• Jerusalem Post 7/12/26: Lindsey Graham advocated for Israel through his policies until the end [“He was a vocal advocate for relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and consistently promoted US security assistance for Israel.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/12/26: ‘Israel has lost one of its greatest friends’: Netanyahu mourns Lindsey Graham [“‘I have lost a beloved friend,’ said the Israeli premier.“]

Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL

• Jewish Insider 7/17/26: Small dollars, big wins: the new money behind the Democrats’ anti-Israel wing [“In our decentralized political environment, it’s easier than ever for a critical mass of ideologically committed small-dollar donors to power insurgent, ideologically driven campaigns” [THIS IS A SCANDAL! HOW DARE SMALL FUNDERS ENGAGE TO ORGANIZE ENERGETICALLY AND EFFECTIVELY AT THE GRASSROOTS, GAIN CREDIBILITY WITH WITH VOTERS, AND BUILD POLITICAL POWER??!!! DON’T THEY UNDERSTAND THAT POLITICAL POWER/INFLUENCE IN US DEMOCRACY IS SUPPOSED TO BE CONFINED SOLELY TO THE RICH AND ALREADY POWERFUL!!!]
• Jewish Insider 7/17/26: How socialist candidates cashed in during the left-wing wave [“JI looked into how ascendant anti-Israel candidates raised and spent money just before and after their primaries“]
• Punchbowl News 7/16/26: House Democrats’ Israel problem
• NBC News 7/16/26: Sen. John Fetterman says he’ll leave the Democratic Party if it ‘officially’ becomes ‘anti-Israel’ [“The Pennsylvania Democrat laid out a red line that would cause him to quit his party, although he didn’t say whether he would become an independent or a Republican.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/16/26: Ro Khanna and the weaponization of anti-Zionism in American politics [“The California congressman’s Judean misadventure was an attempt to boost his long-shot presidential hopes and move on from his sponsorship of the disastrous Graham Platner.“]
• Haaretz 7/15/26: Rep. Ro Khanna: ‘Israel Has Lost Americans Under 50. Bibi Netanyahu Has Antagonized an Entire Generation’
• ADL 7/15/26; updated resource page attacking the DSA, promoted by X-post – “When you threaten to expel members for saying “Israel has a right to defend itself,” when you make anti-Zionism a loyalty test, and when your leaders routinely celebrate terrorist attacks against Jews, you are trafficking in antisemitism. We’re not talking about a fringe movement. We’re talking about the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which has become an increasingly influential force in American politics. As DSA’s influence has grown, so has the impact of its rhetoric and agenda, posing direct consequences for Jewish Americans and other communities targeted by its extremism.“
• The Hill 7/15/26: Fetterman warns he would leave Democratic Party if it turns its back on Israel
• New York Times 7/15/26: Republican Ads Take Aim at Mamdani to Attract Jewish Voters [“New York Republican leaders began a targeted ad campaign, trying to persuade Jewish voters to change parties by accusing Mayor Zohran Mamdani of fostering antisemitism.”]
• Times of Israel 7/15/26: New York Republicans make pitch to Jewish voters: ‘You have a home with us’
• The Forward 7/14/26: Israel is dominating Democratic politics. How did we get here? [“Prospective candidates once traveled to Iowa to preview presidential campaigns. Now it’s Tel Aviv and the West Bank, as U.S. voters demand a way out from war“]
• Wall Street Journal 7/13/26: Schumer’s Tragedy—and Ours [“Jewish Democrats have found their loyalty to the party isn’t being returned.“]
• Drop Site 7/13/26: The New Israel-Backed Nonprofit Feeding Lawmakers Model Legislation [“The State Legislator Israel Caucus says it’s an independent nonprofit. The Israeli government discreetly paid for its first D.C. junket.”]
• Institute for National Security Studies (Israel) 7/13/26: U.S.–Israel Alliance as a Litmus Test: The Democratic Primaries and the Struggle over the Party’s Future
• New York Post 7/13/26: Ro Khanna’s West Bank ‘hostage’ stunt is a new low for a total phony
• Times of Israel 7/12/26: A Jew at CUFI: Rediscovering the Biblical Heart of Zionism
• The Forward 7/11/26: More US Jews feel ‘politically homeless’ than ever. What are we to do?
• Times of Israel 7/11/26: Why US politics feels like it’s all about Israel — and what that does and doesn’t mean for Jews
• The Argument 7/10/26: It really is about Israel — Gaza as the new Vietnam
• Front Page 7/1026: Jewish Democratic Council of America Backs Candidates Accusing Israel of Genocide [“This is what the official Jewish Democrat organization supports now”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Arizona

• Zeteo 7/14/26: Socialist Arizona Candidate Says Israel Is Interfering in His Election [“Kai Newkirk, a democratic socialist, is challenging an incumbent Democratic lawmaker in Arizona.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California

• Jewish Insider 7/14/26: Khanna pressed to support Oct. 7 attacks in Drop Site interview [“The congressman angered Drop Site co-founder Jeremy Scahill by refusing to condone the attacks; Scahill accused Khanna of promoting a ‘double standard’“]
• Honest Reporting 7/14/26: Scott Wiener and the Progressive Purity Test [“The Jewish U.S. democratic senator’s “progressive” views on Israel wasn’t enough to protect him antisemitic attacks.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia

• Jewish Insider 7/13/26: In Georgia’s Senate race, tough choices ahead for the state’s Jewish community [“Some Jewish Georgians say they feel politically homeless as they have to choose between Sen. Jon Ossoff and Rep. Mike Collins“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Kentucky

• The National News Desk 7/13/26: Thomas Massie says the Israeli lobby funded ads that claimed he dated AOC, Ilhan Omar

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maine

• Haaretz 7/17/26: Maine Democratic Senate Candidates Echo Platner’s anti-Israel Rhetoric at Debate [“All four candidates at Thursday’s debate aligned with the former nominee’s positions, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and pledging to halt U.S. military aid“]
• The Forward 7/13/26: Another Graham Platner potential replacement now says Israel committed genocide in Gaza [“Shenna Bellows became Maine’s secretary of state after leading the state’s Holocaust center“]
• The Intercept 7/10/26: Maine Senate Candidates Claim They’re Just Like Platner — But Entirely Different

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maryland

• Maryland Matters 7/13/26: Q&A: A conversation with Chris Van Hollen

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Massachusetts

• Newton Beacon 7/26/26: Survey shows Auchincloss with 47-point lead over Poulos [“Auchincloss, who was first elected in 2020, has been a target of progressive voters over his support for Israel throughout Israel’s controversial military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. Critics have called him out over campaign contributions from the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and surveillance tech Palantir, run by the infamous right-wing billionaire Peter Theil.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan

• The Intercept 7/17/26: Two-Thirds of Shri Thanedar’s Campaign Cash Came Through AIPAC as He Lost Over $600K [“AIPAC bundlers have propped up the Michigan congressman, who has invested millions in campaign funds in crypto.”]
• CNN 7/17/26: Barack Obama hasn’t endorsed a Michigan Senate candidate. An AIPAC-linked group is spending millions on ads with him anyway
• Detroit News 7/17/26: Haley Stevens has a lopsided spending advantage against Abdul El-Sayed
• Common Dreams 7/16/26: AIPAC, ‘Murky’ Donors Spend $50 Million to Help Stevens Beat El-Sayed in Michigan
• Newsweek 7/16/26: AIPAC Is Betting Big on Michigan Democrat In Public Feud with Netanyahu
• New York Times 7/16/26: Can a Pro-Israel Democrat Still Win a Big Primary? She’s Going to Try. [“To prevail in Michigan’s crucial Senate primary, Representative Haley Stevens will need to overcome Democratic voters’ skepticism of Israel. Pro-Israel groups are spending heavily to help her.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/15/26: Poll: Haley Stevens holds seven-point lead over Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate primary
• Batya Ungar-Sargon (Substack) 7/15/26: Black and Working-Class Voters See Through Millionaire Socialist Abdul El-Sayed
• Jewish Insider 7/15/26: Michigan Democrats scramble to avoid a Platner repeat [“After socialist candidates scored several surprise victories, party leaders are fighting with renewed vigor to rally behind Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) in the primary against her left-wing challenger, Abdul El-Sayed“]
• Detroit News 7/14/26: Stevens gains edge in Dems’ Senate race that remains ‘wide open,’ poll finds
• Detroit News 7/14/26: AIPAC draws ire of half of Michigan Democratic voters in new poll
• Current Affairs 7/14/26: Haley Stevens Is an Extremist, Not a Centrist [“Stevens takes the radical position that U.S. support for Israel should ‘go unquestioned.’ If never questioning support for a genocidal state is ‘moderate,’ then our definition of ‘moderate’ needs to change.“]
• Washington Free Beacon 7/14/26: Abdul El-Sayed’s Father-in-Law, a Top Donor to an El-Sayed Super PAC, Is Among Top Leaders of Muslim Brotherhood Organization Linked to Terror Funding
• Jewish Currents 7/14/26: Insurgent Democrats Face Their Toughest Test Yet in Michigan [“Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is looking to extend the left’s winning streak. It won’t be easy.”]
• Jewish Insider 7/14/26: Mainstream Democrats rally to block far-left candidate from nomination in swing Mich. district [“William Lawrence, a virulent Israel critic gaining momentum among progressives in Michigan’s battleground 7th Congressional District, is facing a wave of criticism over past comments denigrating Black political leadership, attacking former Vice President Kamala Harris.”]
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/13/26: Ilhan Omar endorses anti-Israel El-Sayed in Dem primary for Michigan Senate race [“Abdul El-Sayed said that the Minnesota congresswoman is ‘one of the most courageous and unwavering fighters in Congress right now.‘”]
• Bridge Michigan 7/13/26: Outside spending floods Michigan’s US Senate race — most for Haley Stevens
• Washington Free Beacon 7/13/36: Abdul El-Sayed Wants Medicare for All ‘From Cradle to Grave.’ His Psychiatrist Wife Doesn’t Accept Medicare—or Any Insurance at All. [with Batya Ungar-Sargon doubling down on the story on Substack]
• Jewish Insider 7/12/26: Abdul El-Sayed calls Israel a ‘rogue state’ [“The far-left Senate candidate is facing off in the Aug. 4 primary against Rep. Haley Stevens“]
• Current Affairs 7/12/26: How An AIPAC Smear Campaign Works [“The Israel lobby’s attempt to destroy Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign is a disturbing example of how money warps democracy.“]
• Times of Israel 7/10/26: NY’s Lander endorses Michigan candidate El-Sayed, who said Dem support for Israel is only about money
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/10/26: Haley Stevens opposes new US strikes on Iran, Brad Lander endorses Abdul El-Sayed [“The Democratic contenders for U.S. Senate in Michigan remain statistically tied in a new poll, as foreign policy and Israel emerge as flashpoints in the campaign.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/10/26: El-Sayed’s anti-AIPAC antisemitic conspiracy mongering is winning votes [“The Michigan Senate race tells us more about the future of the Democrats and the centrality of antisemitism in our public discourse than the demise of the disgraced Graham Platner in Maine.“]
• Fox News 7/10/26: Michigan Senate hopeful calls AIPAC donations ‘legalized bribery,’ remains silent on other donations

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Missouri

• The Forward 7/14/26: Cori Bush to fellow progressives: My reelection would be ‘the knockout’ punch to AIPAC [“Progressive candidates cast opposition to Israel and AIPAC as part of their movement’s ascent“]
• Missouri Independent 7/14/26: Cori Bush targets Wesley Bell’s Israel stance in St. Louis congressional rematch [“Two years after pro-Israel spending helped Bell defeat Bush, the former congresswoman is betting shifting views on the Middle East can power her comeback“]
• Jerusalem Post 7/14/26:  Cori Bush vows to deliver ‘knockout’ punch to AIPAC in upcoming congressional primary rematch [“Now, as AIPAC has rapidly transformed into a radioactive bogeyman among Democrats and Bush’s fellow progressives have mounted an ascent across the party, Bush is out for revenge.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Minnesota

• Jerusalem Post 7/12/26: Ilhan Omar: Prove your Gaza genocide claims or stop making them

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York

• Jewish Telegraphic Agency/New York Jewish Week 7/17/26: NY Rep. Pat Ryan, an AIPAC endorsee, says he will return its funds after voting to halt aid to Israel
• Jewish Insider 7/17/26: Pat Ryan says he’ll refund AIPAC donors who ask following vote to end U.S. aid to Israel [“The statement came after the New York congressman voted to cut off all U.S. aid to Israel”]
• Washington Examiner 7/16/26: New York Democrat Pat Ryan pledges to refund AIPAC money. It could cost him $790,000
• USA Today 7/13/26: How a Brooklyn coffee shop got caught in a political firestorm
• Times of Israel 7/11/26: NYC House candidate doubles down in defending attendance at pro-Hamas rally a day after Oct. 7 [“Darializa Avila Chevalier insists she condemns Palestinian terror group’s slaughter of civilians, says she was at the protest because Israel ‘has a pattern of engaging in retribution against civilians’”]
• New York Jewish Week 7/10/26: Against Peter Beinart’s pushback, Darializa Avila Chevalier doubles down on attending Oct. 8 pro-Palestinian rally [“The congressional candidate in NY-13 also discussed her support for a one-state solution in the Middle East.”]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – South Carolina

• Jewish Insider 7/15/26: Rep. Russell Fry, a Trump loyalist, emerging as front-runner in race to succeed Graham [“Fry has been a reliably conservative and party-line vote in the House since elected, and also holds a solidly pro-Israel voting record. AIPAC congratulated him on his primary victory in 2024.“]
• Jewish News Syndicate 7/14/26: South Carolina likely to elect pro-Israel senator with less foreign policy expertise, focus than Graham, experts say [“‘Whoever ends up getting this seat, they’re not going to have as much foreign policy experience as Lindsey Graham,’ Christopher Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University, told JNS.“]

Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Washington State

• Jewish News Syndicate 7/14/26: Muslim hoping to unseat longtime Dem congressman for supporting Israel says pro-LGBT messages alienate Muslims [“Melissa Chaudhry, who is running in Washington state as a Democrat but has said she would switch to the Green Party, told JNS that she was ‘forced into a corner by an aggressive and dishonest political opponent.‘”]
• KOMO News 7/10/26: Washington State Democratic Party draws criticism over reparations, antisemitism language

Targeting Free Speech/Civil Society

• Jewish Telegraphic Agency 7/10/26: New Israel Fund decries House GOP investigation over its alleged Israeli election spending [“’NIF will not be deterred in our work to defend democracy, promote equality, and advance peace in Israel,’ the group said.”]
• YNet 7/10/26: US: House committees investigating New Israel Fund
• Haaretz 7/10/26: U.S. House Republicans Threaten New Israel Fund’s Tax-exempt Status Over Alleged anti-Netanyahu Electioneering [“Judiciary and Ways and Means committees say the U.S.-based nonprofit may have violated tax-exempt rules by funding organizations involved in Israeli elections • The New Israel Fund calls the allegations meritless”
• Times of Israel 7/10/26: GOP-led House panel launches probe of umbrella group that backs Israeli progressive causes

Iran

• Jewish Insider 7/16/26: Gulf states need to take the lead, negotiate with Iran over Strait of Hormuz, Murphy says [“Sen. Chris Murphy said that the U.S. could no longer guarantee regional security, but that might have a ‘silver lining’ by obligating the Gulf states to negotiate directly with Iran“]
• Jewish Insider 7/14/26: Democrats denounce Trump’s return to Iran war [“The president implied that the renewed strikes reset the 60-day clock for operations without congressional authorization“]

Other Stuff

• Jewish Insider 7/15/26: Board of Peace officials lobby Capitol Hill for peacekeeping funds [“Three senior officials with the board are requesting $200 million from Congress to support the International Stabilization Force in Gaza“]
• Wall Street Journal 7/10/26: A Congressional Campaign Against Jewish Charities [“Democratic lawmakers enlist the GAO to investigate ‘compliance with IRS requirements’ by groups supporting Israel’s presence in the West Bank.“] Also see X-post from Mark Goldfeder, which including a pdf of the 7/9/26 letter he and Eugene Kontrovich sent to signers of the GAO letter, and in which they lay out accusations and questions, and demand an answer within 7 days.
• Forbes 7/9/26: The FBI Told Apple To Keep Quiet About Spying On A Republican Staffer. Apple Bit Back. [“The DOJ served Apple with repeated gag orders related to extensive surveillance of a senior Republican Congressional staffer in a Qatari-influence investigation.“]