1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters & Reports
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Selected Members on the Record
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements
New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast:
- 6/5/26: How the Iran War will change the Middle East, ft. FMEP fellow Peter Beinart in conversation with Professor Dana El Kurd (University of Richmond) and Professor Nader Hashemi (Georgetown University) about how the current war increases Iran’s “soft power,” why Saudi Arabia and the UAE are reacting differently to Iran and Israel, and why American hegemony remains in the Middle East.
- 6/3/26: Accountability and the culture of elite impunity in America, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Harrison Mann (Win Without War), a former U.S. Army major and executive officer of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) Middle East/Africa Regional Center who resigned from the Biden Administration in protest of his office’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza, and author of the `recent Zeteo article, “Biden’s Genocide Squad Must Be Stopped Before They Strike Again”
- 5/29/26: Unveiling AIPAC & the Israel Lobby, ft. FMEP fellow Ahmed Moor in conversation with Omar Shakir, Executive Director of Democracy in the Arab World Now (DAWN), about DAWN’s new report on the revolving door between AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee) and U.S. and Israeli governmental institutions and the roles AIPAC plays in U.S. politics and public discourse.
NOTE: Apologies for last week’s missing Round-Up and the previous week’s abbreviated edition — I was on vacation [and it was awesome – and I still managed to get an Round-Up out the first week!].
1. Bills & Resolutions
Massively Expanding/Deepening/Cementing US-Israel Military & Intelligence Cooperation & Integration
NOTE: Looking at all the legislative measures now being introduced/considered, one would be hard-pressed to avoid this main conclusion: Israeli officials and their allies in Congress and pro-Israel organizations are seeking to ensure that going forward, the Israeli prime minister and his/her officials will be functionally – and permanently – granted seats in the U.S. situation room. Specifically, this means pursuing legislation — much of it built on an existing edifice of pro-Israel measures passed into law, with little or no debate, over many years — that will accomplish several inter-related and mutually-reinforcing goals: (a) establishing/expanding the role and position of Israel within US national security processes/policies/strategies/procurements, including deepening interoperability and inter-dependence of core military and intelligence functions; (b) doing so in such a way that it cannot easily be undone (by either a future Congress or Administration); and (c) codifying the transformation of Israel from a foreign state that enjoys support and aid from the U.S., into an actor whose interests/prerogatives/entitlements are enmeshed, by law, with those of the U.S., such that Israel is legally woven into the fabric of U.S. national security apparatus functions — where its position will not only be less vulnerable to changing political tides (compared to today), but also even less transparent and accountable. In this same vein, see: The Debate Over Israel Aid Is Coming. Congress Wants To Future-Proof the Relationship First. (Reason 6/5/26)
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(ENDORSING BIBI PLAN TO SHIFT FROM US AID TO ISRAEL TO “PARTNERSHIP”) H. Res. 1339 [resolution text]: Introduced 6/3/26 by Stutzman (R-IN) and Hamadeh (R-AZ), “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives in support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s initiative to transition the United States-Israel relationship toward mutual defense cooperation and joint economic investment, recognizing the contributions of Israel to joint military operations against Iran, and condemning the global rise of antisemitism.” Under the resolution text, the House of Representatives, “strongly supports the development of a new memorandum of understanding between the United States and Israel to replace traditional military assistance with a framework of joint defense codevelopment, coproduction, and mutual investment…” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Also see:
- Press release: REP. STUTZMAN INTRODUCES RESOLUTION TO TRANSITION U.S.-ISRAEL RELATIONS [“…Rep. Stutzman introduced this resolution exactly one week after meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem and receiving his enthusiastic support for the legislation.”].
- Background: Netanyahu meets US lawmakers on Mideast security issues [“The Israeli prime minister and foreign minister hosted U.S. Reps. Abraham Hamadeh and Marlin Stutzman in Jerusalem.“] (Jewish News Syndicate 5/28/26); GOP Reps. Stutzman, Hamadeh meet with Netanyahu, Herzog, Sa’ar in Israel [“Both lawmakers are vocal supporters of Israel and engage on Middle East policy“] (Jewish Insider 5/28/26)
- Bibi Claims Credit!: Letter to Stutzman from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu [“I was glad to receive your proposed Congressional resolution endorsing my plan to shift the framework for US-Israel defense cooperation from aid to partnership…“]
- Some analysis: A New Policy X-post w/ pics 6/3/26: “Left: House Armed Services Committee Chair RepMikeRogersAL says that NDAA Section 224 doesn’t change anything and is in America’s national interest. Right: A Resolution being introduced by @RepStutzman today says in its opening line this is ‘Benjamin Netanyahu’s initiative.’“
- Media coverage of the resolution: Netanyahu backs GOP effort to end U.S. military aid to Israel [“With a resolution to be introduced Wednesday, two congressional Republicans hope to push back against anti-Israel sentiment in the U.S. by ending direct military aid.“] (Washington Post 6/2/26); GOP Lawmaker Files Resolution to End $3.8 Billion Aid to Israel (Newsmax 6/3/26); Stutzman introduces resolution backing Netanyahu’s call to wind down U.S. aid [“Netanyahu offered a highly atypical letter of support for the resolution, following a meeting with the Indiana congressman last week“] (Jewish Insider 6/3/26); Netanyahu wants to begin winding down U.S. aid in next two years (Jewish Insider 6/3/26); Republican congressman introduces resolution to reshape US-Israel defense ties as ‘trade over aid’ (Jewish News Syndicate 6/3/26); Netanyahu Backs Bill That Few Expected Him To Support (Daily Wire 6/3/26)
(FY27 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT) HR 8800 (base text, aka the Chairman’s mark): Introduced 5/13/26 by Rogers (R-AL) and Smith (D-WA), the “National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.” Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services. Also see: Committee documents — FY27 NDAA Factsheet – Rebuilding the Arsenal of Freedom; FY27 NDAA Chairman’s Mark One Pager. The bill was marked up in the House Armed Services Committee 6/3/26 – for details (including Israel & Middle East-related amendments offered to the bill] see Section 3, below.
As always, this bill includes extensive funding for Israel and other Israel-related and Middle East-related provisions. Specifically, the base text (pre-mark-up) includes:
(1) Israel-related funding: Per the funding tables at the end of the bill [and this list includes only those lines that I was able to determine with confidence are Israel-related funding — I absolutely may have missed some]:
- $50 million for “Emerging Tech Cooperation” [this appears to be for the U.S.-Israel “Future of Warfare” emerging technologies cooperative program]
- $100 million for “Israel Counter UXS Program” (UXS = unmanned systems)
- $100 million for “Israel Subterranean Cooperation”
- $300 million for Israeli Cooperative Programs
- $150 million for Arrow 3 Upper Tier Systems
- $30 million for Short Range Ballistic Missile Defense (SRBMD)
- $20 million for Iron Dome
(2) Israel-related provisions:
- Section 1221—Extension of War Reserve Stockpile Authority for Israel – “This section would extend the existing War Reserve Stockpile Authority for Israel established by section 12001(d) of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-287) to January 1, 2029.“
- Section 1222—United States-Israel Subterranean Cooperation – “This section would modify section 1279 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92) to extend the authority for the Secretary of Defense to conduct collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation of anti-tunnel capabilities with Israel through December 31, 2029. This section would also expand the authority to include subterranean threats of all types.“
- Section 1223—United States-Israel Cooperation to Counter Unmanned Systems in All Warfighting Domains – “This section would modify section 1278 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) to extend the authority for the Secretary of Defense to conduct collaborative research, development, testing, and evaluation of technologies to counter unmanned systems with Israel through December 31, 2029.“
(3) NEW Israel-related cooperation “Framework”:
In addition to the above, the base text of the bill includes a version of a piece of previously introduced legislation known as the “United States-Israel Framework for Upgraded Technologies, Unified Research, and Enhanced Security (FUTURES) Act of 2026“ (HR 7540 // S. 3855), which would expand, deepen, and mandate new cooperation by the U.S. military with Israel [Section 224 in the Chairman’s Mark]. An initial effort to remove this section from the bill, via an – amendment offered by Khanna (D-CA) during the Committee’s mark-up of the bill on 6/4/26, FAILED – see Section 3, below, for details.
- NOTE: Some are arguing that Section 224 is a “nothing-burger” – as in, it doesn’t really do anything new, and really isn’t a big deal. Technically speaking, they are maybe 80% correct — the provision does largely build on authorities that already exist in law — but the word “technically” is doing a lot of work here. Which is to say: the road to a lot of decisions for which people don’t want to be held to account is paved with arguments that ignore/dismiss highly relevant (and overwhelmingly self-evident) political context and intent. Indeed, arguing that this provision is “technically” doing nothing new is not unlike arguing that the Supreme Court gutting the Voting Rights Act is “technically” just about adopting race-neutral policies (so clearly nothing any rational person would be concerned about!).
- A New Policy on Sec. 224: Detailed analysis of Sec. 224 from A New Policy [“Summary: Section 224 of the Chairman’s Mark of the NDAA establishes a new U.S. Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative aimed at accelerating joint research, development, and integration of Israeli origin and jointly developed defense technologies into U.S. military systems and programs of record. It directs the Secretary of Defense to designate an executive formalize deeper cooperation and integration across emerging and existing domains, including counter-drone systems, missile and air defense, quantum computing, AI and autonomous systems, cyber and electronic warfare, directed energy, and defense industrial base co-production, while facilitating pathways from R&D into procurement…“]
- IMEU on Sec. 224: IMEU Policy Project – Congress Should Not Systematically Embed Israel into US Military [“Section 224 of the Chairman’s Mark of the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)–the United States-Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative–would establish a Defense Department Executive Agent (EA) who would be granted limitless and unaccountable authority for synchronizing and accelerating the US-Israeli bilateral military relationship. The EA would do so by integrating Israeli weapons into US systems and programs; ensuring joint US-Israeli research initiatives; facilitating the transition from joint research and development to US procurement and acquisition; establishing joint ventures and licensing agreements for the co-production and co-development of weapons; and promoting joint military exercises and exchanges of information…“]
- The media report that broke the story: Responsible Statecraft 5/29/26: n the first step towards shifting aid further into the shadows, the House’s 2027 NDAA would all but fuse the two countries’ armed forces together; The Quincy Institute added in an X-post on 6/1/26: “Section 224 of the House NDAA doesn’t just fuse US and Israeli military sectors. It would let Israel build weapons facilities in US congressional districts, creating jobs that give lawmakers a direct political stake in protecting the relationship. It’s the same model that makes the F-35 impossible to cancel. Except this time it’s a foreign government building political leverage, not a defense contractor.“
- House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rogers (R-AL) defends Sec. 224: Rogers (R-AL) X-post 6/3/26 – “Israel is far and away the best ally the United States has in the Middle East, and our cooperative programs with them strengthen our national security by giving our warfighters access to cutting edge technologies. Section 224 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2027 doesn’t create any new programs within the Department of Defense. It simply adds transparency and improves efficiency by designating a single official to coordinate existing initiatives. In no way does it give away command and control of our military operations, personnel, or equipment. Misinformation in relation to Israel and our close partnership with them has always run rampant, and bad actors are all too happy to stoke these flames when given the opportunity. Any narrative that this legislation is somehow ceding control to another country in any way is categorically false and misleading. The NDAA strengthens American sovereignty and American national security first and foremost.” Journalist who wrote the original story about the bill responding to Rogers on X: “In the same tweet that he calls out “misinformation in relation to Israel” the man who introduced Section 224 says it ‘doesn’t create any new programs within the Department of Defense’ when that is literally goal #3 of Section 224” – with a screenshot of goal #3 of Section 224 reading: “facilitating the transition of technologies from resarch and development into procurement and acquisition pathways” Also see: House Armed Services chair rejects claims NDAA provision would put Israel in command of US military (Jewish News Syndicate 6/3/26)
- Members opposing Sec. 224: Massie (R-KY) 5/30/26: X-post – “If the provision in the NDAA to integrate/synchronize the U.S. and Israeli militaries (section 224) makes it out of committee, I’ll offer an amendment to strip it from the bill on the floor. We are a sovereign country.” Khanna (D-CA) 5/31/26: X-post responding to Massie – “And I will be offering an amendment in the committee itself to strip section 224 out, @RepThomasMassie. Trump can’t kill the Massie/Khanna partnership no matter how much he posts on Truth Social.” Khanna added in a 6/1/26 X-post – “Thomas Massie and I are not done working together. Section 224 of our defense bill means to integrate our military with Israel’s military. As a senior member of the Armed Services committee, I am introducing an amendment to stop financing and enabling war crimes.”
- Other media coverage: 2027 NDAA Provision Seeks Sweeping US-Israel Defense Tech Integration (Military.com 6/3/26); This Pro-Israel Group Paved the Way for Trump’s Disastrous War in Iran [“And that’s not all. Foundation for the Defense of Democracies is now apparently helping write the script for a fusion of the U.S. and Israeli militaries.“] (Zeteo 6/3/26); US measure to deepen Israel military cooperation faces bipartisan pushback [“Democrat Ro Khanna and Republican Thomas Massie say they will try to remove the pro-Israel section from US defence bill“] (Al Jazeera 5/31/26); 2027 National Defense Authorization Act Proposes to Integrate U.S. and Israeli Militaries (Democracy Now 6/1/26); (Common Dreams 6/1/26); Congress advances US-Israeli military integration plan (Al Jazeera 5/30/26); Democrat, Republican lawmakers team up against US-Israel military tech synergy (Times of Israel 6/2/26); Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie team up to strip US-Israel military tech cooperation from defense bill (Jewish Telegraphic Agency 6/1/26); US House proposal seeks unprecedented military integration with Israel (DAWN 6/1/26); Massie and Khanna rail against defense bill provision to integrate US military with Israel (Washington Examiner 6/1/26); Congress weighs measure to expand US-Israel military integration (Middle East Eye 5/31/26); Far left, far right rebel over defense bill provision on U.S.-Israel cooperation [“Former U.S. Ambassador Daniel Shapiro called the provision largely ‘unremarkable,’ countering claims from the extremes that it would mark a surrender of U.S. sovereignty“] (Jewish Insider 6/2/26)
(4) Other Middle East-related stuff in the bill
- Sec. 1215—Extension of Authority to Provide Assistance to Counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria [“This section would extend the authority under section 1236 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291) to provide support to partner forces in Iraq to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. This section would extend the authority through December 31, 2027.“]
- Sec. 1216—Extension of Limitation on Availability of Funds for the Iraqi Security Forces [“This section would extend the condition that 25 percent of funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Iraqi Security Forces under section 1236 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291) may only be made available if the Secretary of Defense certifies that the Government of Iraq has taken credible steps to reduce the influence of Iranian-aligned militia groups and actors within the Iraqi Security Forces”]
- Under Title XII, entitled “Matters Relating to Foreign Nations,” the bill includes a section entitled “Security Partnership with the Kingdom of Jordan.” The section directs directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, in coordination with the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency and the Director for Joint Force Development, “to provide a briefing to the House Committee on Armed Services not later than December 1, 2026, on opportunities to expand defense cooperation” in a variety of domains.
(MANDATING US-ISRAEL COORDINATION ON MIDEAST AIR DEFENSE ACQUISITIONS) S. 4681: Introduced 6/4/26 by Rosen (D-NV) and 3 cosponsors (bipartisan), “A bill to require the Secretary of Defense to take action to improve air and missile defense acquisition, and for other purposes” aka the “Optimizing Acquisition Strategies for Integrated Security (OASIS) in the Middle East Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. Rosen’s press release [Rosen, Ernst, Lankford, Booker Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Develop Middle East Air and Missile Defense Acquisition Strategy to Deter and Defend Against Iranian Attacks] describes the bill as: “a bill to require the Department of Defense (DOD) to develop an air and missile defense acquisition strategy with partners and allies in the Middle East, including Israel and Abraham Accords partners.” Also see: Senate lawmakers introduce bill to establish coordinated Middle East air-defense acquisitions (Jewish Insider 6/4/26)
(LEGALLY REQUIRE & ENFORCE MASSIVE EXPANSION OF US INTELL SHARING & COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL) S. 4615: Introduced 5/20/26 by Cotton (R-AR, the “Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.” The bill includes an expansive new provision — Section 622 — entitled “United States-Israel intelligence sharing enhancement.” NOTE: Maybe you think this is the best idea ever! Maybe you think it is a terrible idea. Regardless, it is a HUGE deal and arguably should be understood/discussed/debated rather than just quietly slipping into law unnoticed. Specifically, Section 622 includes:
- Statement of Policy making it US policy — “(1) to maintain and strengthen the strategic security partnership with Israel as a means of advancing the national defense of the United States, regional stability, and the protection of United States personnel and interests in the Middle East; (2) to enhance intelligence collaboration through robust intelligence sharing and analytic partnership with Israel to counter terrorism, proliferation networks, cyber threats, state and nonstate aggressors, terror financing, sanctions evasion, and other transnational security challenges that threaten both Israel and the United States; (3) to deter and counter destabilizing activities by the Government of Iran and Iran-aligned state and nonstate actors that threaten Israel, United States forces, and regional partners; (4) to ensure that security assistance and defense cooperation are structured to help Israel maintain its qualitative military edge, consistent with United States law and broader regional security considerations; (5) to encourage and support the expansion of regional security architectures that include Israel and willing regional partners, with a focus on integrated air and missile defense, maritime security, early warning systems, and intelligence-sharing frameworks; and (6) to leverage security coordination with Israel to enhance force protection, early warning, and crisis response capabilities for United States military and diplomatic personnel in the region.”
- Sense of Congress that — “(1) Israel remains a critical United States security partner whose defense and intelligence capabilities provide a strategic advantage that contributes to enhanced operational effectiveness and technological superiority; (2) timely and actionable intelligence sharing between the United States and Israel has saved United States personnel and property in the region and should remain a central pillar of the bilateral security relationship; (3) the evolving threat environment in the Middle East—including missile proliferation, unmanned systems, cyber operations, terror financing, and proxy warfare—requires sustained and adaptive cooperation between the United States and Israel; (4) the United States-Israel security partnership has historically benefitted from bipartisan support, which strengthens the partnership’s credibility, durability, and deterrent value; and (5) expanding normalization and practical security cooperation between Israel and regional states can serve as a force multiplier for collective deterrence and integrated defense.“
- Legislative requirements for MANDATORY, expansive intelligence sharing with Israel — “(1) IN GENERAL.—The President, acting through the Director of National Intelligence and, as necessary, the Secretary of Defense, shall, subject to applicable law and the protection of intelligence sources and methods, expand and enhance intelligence sharing with the Government of Israel. (2) SCOPE OF INTELLIGENCE SHARING.—Intelligence sharing carried out under this subsection shall include the sharing of information relating to cybersecurity threats, terrorism, sanctions evasion, plans and intentions of state and nonstate actors, adversarial technology proliferation, missile threats, unmanned aerial systems, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, air and space domain awareness, and other aerial threats relevant to the defense of Israel, United States forces and interests in the region, and regional security partners”
- Legally binding (and exceedingly narrow) conditions with respect to any future decisions to limit intelligence sharing/cooperation with Israel — “(A) IN GENERAL.—Intelligence sharing and related security information exchanges with the Government of Israel shall not be suspended, reduced, or otherwise materially limited except on the basis of a specific and identifiable national security concern determined by the President, such as the protection of intelligence sources and methods, counterintelligence risk, or another significant security consideration. (B) DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENT.—The President shall document any determination to suspend, reduce, or otherwise materially limit intelligence sharing or related security information exchanges with the Government of Israel, including a description of the national security rationale supporting the change.“
- Requirement for mandatory congressional oversight over any decision to alter intelligence sharing with Israel — “(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 15 days after the date of any decision to materially increase, suspend, reduce, or otherwise alter intelligence sharing or related security information exchanges with the Government of Israel, the President shall notify the congressional intelligence committees of such decision. (B) ELEMENTS.—Each notification required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following: (i) A description of the change in intelligence sharing or security information exchange. (ii) The categories of information affected. (iii) The national security objectives served by the change. (iv) In the case of a suspension or reduction, the specific national security concern supporting the change. (v) An assessment of the anticipated impact on regional security, United States forces, and integrated air and missile defense cooperation.”
- Legislative requirements for MANDATORY expansion of intelligence sharing and cooperation with countries that join the Abraham Accords — “(1) IN GENERAL.—The President, acting through the Director of National Intelligence and, as necessary, the Secretary of Defense, shall, consistent with applicable law and security agreements, expand and enhance intelligence sharing and analytic cooperation with countries that have normalized relations with Israel pursuant to the Abraham Accords (as defined in section 64(k) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2735a(k)) in order to strengthen regional security integration. (2) PRIORITY AREAS.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the President shall prioritize the sharing of appropriate intelligence and information relating to—(A) counterterrorism threats and networks, including state and nonstate aggressors, and terror financing; (B) cybersecurity threats, vulnerabilities, and defensive best practices; (C) air and missile defense early warning and threat tracking; (D) geospatial, overhead, and other imaging intelligence relevant to shared security concerns; and (E) maritime security threats, including threats to freedom of navigation, commercial shipping, sanctions evasion, and regional maritime stability.
- Requirement for a mandatory annual report to Congress from the President on implementation of this section of law —“(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter for 5 years, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the status of United States intelligence sharing with the Government Israel and, as appropriate, regional partners. (2) MATTERS TO BE INCLUDED.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include, to the extent consistent with the protection of intelligence sources and methods, the following: (A) A description of the categories of intelligence and security information shared by the United States Government with the Government of Israel. (B) An assessment of progress toward seamlessly integrating Israel into regional air and missile defense and early warning architectures with partner countries, including those that have normalized relations with Israel pursuant to the Abraham Accords. (C) A description of how such intelligence sharing has contributed, if at all, to— (i) improved detection, tracking, warning, interception, or deterrence of aerial threats, including missiles and unmanned systems, for Israel, United States forces, or regional partners; and (ii) the overall stability and coordination of security in the region. (D) An assessment of progress in improving interoperability among technology networks of the United States, Israel, and partner countries. (E) A description of efforts to secure technology networks and data from cyber threats and unauthorized access. (F) An identification of any legal, policy, technical, counterintelligence, or security barriers limiting deeper intelligence integration, including risks to intelligence sources and methods. (G) A summary of any significant increases or reductions in intelligence sharing during the reporting period and the national security rationale for such changes.”
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War Powers – Iran & Lebanon
(IRAN WAR POWERS) H. Con. Res. 86: Introduced 4/20/86 by Meeks (D-NY), “Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities against the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Brought to the floor 5/20/26 and voted on (Voice Vote); Chair declared the resolution defeated by voice vote; Meeks demanded a roll call vote, which was postponed by the chair. The vote on the measure finally took place on 6/3/26, with the measure passing by a vote of 215 – 208. Four Republicans joined Democrats in voting “yes”: Barrett (R-MI), Davidson (R-OH), Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Massie (R-KY).
(LEBANON WAR POWERS) H. Con. Res. 84 [resolution text]: Introduced 4/13/26 by Tlaib (D-MI) and cosponsored by Valzquez (D-NY) and Ramirez (D-IL), “Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from Lebanon.” DEFEATED 6/4/26 by a vote of 92-324. Only 1 Republican (Massie, R-KY), voted “yes”; 117 Democrats joined Republicans in voting “no”; and 2 Democrats voted “present.”
- Floor consideration is here. Support for the resolution centered on opposition to Israel’s ongoing military assault on Lebanon. Opposition to the resolution broke down between those arguing that the very existence of this resolution represents support for terrorism/Hezbollah (an argument that got extremely personal/nasty); those arguing that the resolution makes no sense because the US does not ahve armed forces engaged in Lebanon; and those who argued that given that the US does not have armed forces in Iran, the impact of this resolution would be to oppose U.S. forces provising security for U.S. diplomats serving in Lebanon. Note: The record includes, in one place, “***” — marking the point in the debate where Miller (R-OH) went after Tlaib personally, describing Hezbollah as “butchers that you [Tlaib] like to hang out with to a certain extent.” When Tlaib reacted to this statement, Miller snarked that she was getting “a little emotional” and added: “You advocate for terrorists on a daily basis” and “you advcocate for a terrorist regime every single day” – video]. Miller’s personal attack on Tlaib was stricken from the record (and he was not permitted to speak on the floor again for the rest of the day – linked article also provides a good synopsis of Miller’s previous attacks on Tlaib) after they chair ruled that his remarks “impugn the patriotism and loyalty of the member of the House, which is not in order.” Undeterred, Miller doubled down via a statement read on the floor by (a smirking) Mast (R-FL): “Yes, I said it. I own it. I stand by it.” Miller then doubled down, again, in a post on X: “My words may have been removed from the record, but Talib [sic] should be removed from Congress.” Also see: Jewish congressman rebuked after accusing Tlaib of supporting ‘terrorist regime’ on House floor (Jewish News Syndicate 6/4/26)
- What next? In explaining their “no” votes on H. Res. 84, Democratic leadership issued a statement suggesting readiness to bring to a vote – and support – the tweaked version of the resolution introduced by Tlaib on 6/3/26 – H. Con. Res. 108 [see below]. The statement: “We stand with the Lebanese people, the government of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces in their efforts to live peacefully and defeat Hezbollah, a violent terrorist organization that is a sworn enemy of the United States. As demonstrated yesterday, House Democrats are committed to ending Donald Trump’s reckless and costly war of choice in Iran. We also do not support any effort by the Trump administration to entangle the United States in a war in Lebanon or other parts of the Middle East. Currently, there are no U.S. servicemembers involved in combat operations or hostilities in Lebanon. In our view, the best legislative vehicle to keep U.S. troops out of Lebanon is the War Powers Resolution introduced by Rep. Rashida Tlaib yesterday, with full support and input from Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks. Accordingly, we will vote No on H.Con.Res.84 and look forward to working with Congressmember Tlaib to support and build consensus for H.Con.Res.108.”
- Media: “People are not happy”: Democrats fume about Lebanon vote (Axios 6/3/26); Congressional Progressive Caucus urges members to vote for Tlaib’s Lebanon war powers resolution [“CPC members constitute nearly 45% of the House Democratic caucus”] (Jewish Insider 6/3/26); House tensions erupt as Tlaib pushes Lebanon war powers vote (Axios 6/3/26); House rejects Tlaib’s Lebanon war powers effort (Jewish Insider 4/4/26)
- Members on H. Con. Res. 84: In addition to statements delivered on the House floor during consideration of the measure, many, many members — both for and again the resolution — issued press releases or made statements on social media — check members’ websites and social media accounts to see what they said.
(LEBANON WAR POWERS) H. Con. Res. 108: Introduced 6/3/26 by Tlaib (D-MI), “Directing the President pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities in Lebanon.” Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. This version is the text of H. Con. Res. 86, with the addition two articles of construction (i.e., clarifying provisions) – the first clarifying that “Nothing in this concurrent resolution may be construed to prevent or limit security cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces or the protection of diplomatic facilities” and the second clarifhying that “…nothing in this concurrent resolution may be construed as authorizing the use of military force.”
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Targeting Free Speech/Protest
(TARGETING PROTESTERS) HR 9096: Introduced 6/2/26 by Huizenga (R-MI), “To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to revoke the citizenship of any naturalized United States citizen convicted of a terrorism-related crime.” Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
(TARGETING PROTEST & ANYONE IN ANY WAY SUPPORTIVE OF OR LINKED TO PROTEST) HR 9109 (bill text): Introduced 6/2/26 by Steube (R-FL), “To designate Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, to counter domestic terrorism and organized political violence, and for other purposes,” aka the “Stop ANTIFA Act.” Referred to the Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, Ways and Means, and Financial Services. Also see: press release – Rep. Steube Introduces Stop ANTIFA Act
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Other Stuff
(TARGETING IRAN/HEZBOLLAH IN LATIN AMERICA) S. 4665: Introduced 6/2/26 by Curtis (R-UT), “A bill to require the Secretary of State to submit a strategy to Congress for countering Iranian and Hezbollah influence operations in Latin America.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
(TARGETING UN IN LEBANON) HR 9020 [bill text]: Introduced 5/22/26 by Shreve (R-IN) and Moskowitz (D-FL), the “No U.S. Funding for UNIFIL Act.” Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services. Also see: press release – Shreve Introduces Bill to End U.S. Funding for Failed UNIFIL Mission in Lebanon
(AMEND CONSTITUTION TO BAR NON-NATIVE-BORN AMCITS FROM ALL FED JOBS) H. J. Res. 194: Introduced 6/3/26 by Mace (R-SC), “Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit any person who has citizenship or nationality of, or otherwise owes allegiance to, a country other than the United States from serving as a Representative or Senator in Congress, a Judge of the Supreme Court or any inferior court, an Ambassador, public Minister or Consul, or any other officer of the United States which requires the advice and consent of the Senate, or the President or Vice President unless the person formally and permanently relinquishes such citizenship, nationality, or allegiance.“ Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. NOTE: As pointed out previously (multiple times) in the Round-Up (see: 4/10/26 and 5/6/26 editions of the Round-Up), per the public list maintained by the Clerk of the House, there are **26 foreign-born Members of Congress**.
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Media related to previously-covered legislation:
- Ramirez (D-IL) 6/5/26: Ramirez, Members of Congress, Advocates Commemorate the One -Year Anniversary of the Bipartisan Block the Bombs
- Jewish Currents 5/26/26: Newsletter [“NOT SO FAST: Last week in this space, we reported that a new Senate bill, the Jewish American Security Act, had been amended before introduction to remove language codifying the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, which considers much criticism of Israel to be antisemitic. We suggested that the bill as it stands would not push forward the longstanding Jewish establishment goal of enshrining IHRA in federal law. Lara Friedman, president of the Foundation for Middle East Peace and an experienced tracker of Hill legislation related to Israel/Palestine and antisemitism, disagrees with our analysis. In her legislative round-up last week, Friedman wrote that the language on IHRA that was removed from the bill was immaterial, given that the bill still cites President Trump’s 2019 executive order endorsing IHRA. “Absent an affirmative repudiation of the IHRA definition and/or the articulation of a clear alternative definition—something the forces behind this bill would never accept—any antisemitism legislation adopted under the Trump administration will, first and foremost, codify into law and expand enforcement of the IHRA definition,” Friedman told Jewish Currents today. “Removal of explicit references to the IHRA definition from the bill is performative—it is about appearances, not impact. Doing so did little more than offer a pretext for some who are ostensibly concerned about that definition to demonstrate they can be part of a big tent solution.”]
- Jerusalem Post 5/18/26: Rashida Tlaib reintroduces resolution to recognize ‘ongoing Palestinian Nakba’
- Military.com 5/18/26: Massie Bill Targets AIPAC With New FARA Standards, Challenging Israel Lobby
2. Letters & Reports
- (US MUST INTERVENE TO STOP E-1 SETTLEMENT!) 6/5/26: On 6/5/26 Pocan (D-WI) posted on X – “Today, @janSchakowsky & I led 85 of our colleagues in calling on @SecRubio to use every diplomatic tool available to stop imminent Israeli settlement construction in the E-1 area of the West Bank. Israeli settlements in E-1 would be a clear annexation effort, dividing the West Bank, separating Palestinian communities from one another, and severely threatening any possibility of a two-state solution. As the world’s most powerful country, we need to use our leverage to act now!” [letter text]. Also see New Jewish Narrative press release – 85 Members of Congress Demand US Diplomacy to Stop E-1 Settlement Construction
- (INVESTIGATING TETHER FOR ROLE IN IRAN SHADOW BANKING) 6/4/26: Blumenthal Probes Tether On Its Role in Iranian Shadow Banking [letter text]
- (WHAT IS POTUS GOING TO DO ABOUT IRAN WAR-RELATED RISE IN GAS PRICES?) 6/3/26: Bennet, Pettersen, Colorado Democratic Delegation Demand Answers from President Trump as Iran War Spikes Gas Prices Ahead of Summer Travel Season [letter text]
- (STATE DEPT RESPONSE RE ISRAEL’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM) 6/1/26: As previously reported in the Round-Up, on 5/5/26 Rep. Castro (D-TX) led a letter, signed by 30 Democratic colleagues, to Secretary of State Rubio demanding that the State Department hold Israel to the same standard as other countries and provide transparency on Israels’ nuclear capabilities, ending decades-long ambiguity (press release; letter text), and requesting an answer by 5/18/26. On 6/3/26, Castro posted on X the State Department’s response, dated 6/1/26 – which states, bazarrely “To your questions about Israeli defense capabilities, you are aware that the longstanding policy of the State Department, under multiple administrations of both parties, is not to comment publucly on specific platforms and postures. We refer you to the Government of Israel for your questions about Israel’s capabilities.“
- (STOP ILLEGAL ANTIQUITIES TRADE) 5/31/26: Fetterman Urges FinCEN Rulemaking for Antiquities Industry [letter text]. Excerpt from letter: “Documented cases of such illicit activities include: Houthi terrorists and Al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula have looted Yemeni artifacts to fund violence against the U.S, Israel, and international shipping lanes. ISIS regularly sold stolen artifacts from Syria and Iraq.” Also see: Fetterman urges Treasury, FinCEN to crack down on antiquities trafficking over terror financing risks (Jewish News Syndicate 6/4/26)
- (TARGETING ORGS HATED BY THE GOVT OF ISRAEL & THE TRUMP ADMIN) 5/29/26: The House Judiciary Committee released a press release, New Memo Reveals Biden-Harris Administration Misused Taxpayer Dollars to Fund Radical Anti-Israel Protests and Terrorist-linked NGOs [text of memo]. Also see: A Baffling Congressional Report Threatens the Jewish Establishment [“A House Republican attack on mainstream Jewish funders reads like a political favor to Netanyahu.“] (Jewish Currents Newsletter 6/2/26); EXCLUSIVE: House panel says it uncovered new funding links between Biden admin and anti-Netanyahu, left-wing groups (Jewish News Syndicate 5/29/26); Without evidence, House Judiciary Committee makes claims against Israeli nonprofits, their U.S. funders (eJewish Philanthropy 6/1/26); Did American Taxpayers Fund Anti-Netanyahu Protests? Congress Says Yes (Legal Insurrection 6/2/26)
- (TARGETING US SERVICEMEMBERS IN MIDEAST) Foreign Adversaries Are Using Commercial Location Data to Target U.S. Servicemembers In the Middle East, Wyden, Harrigan and 12 other bipartisan Members of Congress, Reveal; Members Call on Department to Adopt Commonsense Safeguards to Protect U.S. Troops [letter text]
- (TRUE COST OF IRAN WAR) 5/27/26: Warren, Merkley, Schumer, Lawmakers Urge Nonpartisan Congressional Scorekeeper to Determine True Cost of War in Iran [letter text]
- (TARGETING UNRWA, AGAIN) 5/26/26: Lawler Leads 90+ Members of Congress to Urge Administration to Dismantle UNRWA Operations in the Middle East [letter text]. Also see Lawler (R-NY) X-post 5/27/26: “Yesterday, I led more than 90 colleagues in urging the Administration to dismantle the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and transition its responsibilities to transparent, accountable partners free from ties to terrorism. The United States must ensure humanitarian aid supports peace, stability, and security in the Middle East, not organizations linked to Hamas.” Also see: Republican senators urge Trump to dismantle UNRWA, citing Hamas ties (Jewish News Syndicate 5/19/26)
- (TARGETING UNRWA, AGAIN) 5/21/26: Sens. Cruz, Cotton, Colleagues Urge President Trump to Eliminate UN Agency Tied to Hamas After USAID OIG Confirms Terror Links [letter text]
- (FREE WISCONSIN RESIDENT SALEH SARSOUR) 5/21/26: Baldwin Leads Colleagues in Calling for Immediate Release of Detained Wisconsin Resident Salah Sarsour [letter text]
3. Hearings & Markups
Secretary of State Rubio was on the Hill testifying at four separate hearings this week, in all of which Israel- and Middle East-related policy issues played a prominent role:
- June 3, 2026: The House Committee on Foreign Affairs held a hearing entitled, Department of State FY 2027 Budget Request: A Commitment to America First Foreign Policy (hearing video). The sole witness was Secretary of State Marco Rubio (testimony).
- June 3, 2026: The Senate Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs held a hearing entitled, A Review of the President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the Department of State (hearing video). The sole witness was Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- June 2, 2026: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing entitled, REVIEW OF THE FY27 STATE DEPARTMENT BUDGET REQUEST (hearing video). The sole witness was Secretary of State Marco Rubio (testimony).
- June 2, 2026: the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs held a hearing entitled, Budget Hearing – Department of State and Related Programs (hearing video). The sole witness was Secretary of State Marco Rubio (testimony).
- Media related to any/all of these appearances: Rubio confirms administration, Israel discussing winding down U.S. aid in next MOU [“The secretary of state said Israel eventually wants be in a position where it can continue buying U.S. defense products without receiving ‘any sort of assistance’ in doing so“] (Jewish Insider 6/2/26); Rubio: Iran sanctions relief only for nuclear concessions, not for reopening Hormuz [“The secretary of state acknowledged that granting Iran access to additional funds would risk Tehran using the money for malign activity in the region“] (Jewish Insider 6/2/26); Rubio says Netanyahu’s pledge to seize 70% of Gaza contradicts Trump plan (Times of Israel 6/3/26)
June 9 & 10, 2026: The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold a CLOSED hearing entitled, Full Committee Markup of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (June 9 notice; June 10 notice). This full committee markup will follow a week of subcommittee markups of various parts of the bill.
June 9, 2026: The House Judiciary Committee will hold another hearing targeting the Southern Poverty Law Center, The Southern Poverty Law Center: Manufacturing Hate, Part II. Scheduled witnesses (so far) are: Bryan Fair, Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, Southern Poverty Law Center; Alveda King, Chair of the American Dream, America First Policy Institute; and Ryan Bangert, Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Special Counsel to the President, Alliance Defending Freedom.
June 4, 2026: The House Armed Services Committee held a mark-up of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27 NDAA) – HR 8800 (video – part 1, part 2). Info on amendments offered to the bill in Committee (and info on how they fared) is here. At 4:36:18 in the hearing (in the Part 1 of the hearing video), Khanna (D-CA) offered an amendment to strip out Section 224 of the bill [for details on that section and the controversy around it, see Section 1, above). This was followed by members largely grandstanding against the amendment and in support of Israel – with the sole exception of Jacobs (D-CA), who spoke out in support for the amendment. In total, it took just 20 minutes for the Committee to dispense with the pretense of any real consideration of the issues Khanna raised, and for the Chair to declare the amendment defeated by a Voice Vote [NOTE: since this was a Voice Vote there is no official tally of how people voted. Notably, Vasquez (D-NM) stated in his press release on passage of the NDAA, “While I continue to support strengthening our nation’s national defense, I voted in committee to strongly oppose the President’s illegal war with Iran and to strip Section 224 from the bill which unnecessarily ties the U.S. to Israel,…We cannot reward a nation responsible for mass civilian casualties in Gaza and constant violent aggression in the West Bank and Lebanon. The illegal war in Iran, Israeli settler violence, and atrocities in Gaza must stop. I will continue to support our military and work to improve this bill as it heads to the full House.” Also see: Democrat fails to block US measure to deepen Israel military cooperation (Al Jazeera 6/4/26); House committee blocks effort to strip U.S.-Israel cooperation provision from annual defense bill (Jewish Insider 6/4/26). Ultimately the bill was voted out of the Committee (i.e., approved to move to the House floor) by a vote of 44-12, with 12 “no” votes being Garamendi (D-CA), Moulton (D-MA), Carbajal (D-CA), Khanna (D-CA), Keating (D-MA), Crow (D-CO), Jacobs (D-CA), Ryan (D-NY), Deluzio (D-PA), Goodlander (D-NH), Elfreth (D-MD), and Bell (D-MO).
COMMENT: The Committee’s discussion of Khanna’s amendment highlighted – in stark relief – the growing chasm between congressional views (bipartisan) on Israel and those of the U.S. public, and views in Congress. With that in mind, the full text of all members’ remarks on the amendment is included below:
Khanna (D-CA): “Mr. Chairman, the American people are tired of the arrogance and insolence of Prime Minister Netanyahu telling America what we should do. The entire country of Israel has a GDP that is less than a single town in my district. Yet somehow Netanyahu thinks he could tell the American people what we should do. The person who’s most upset with him right now is President Donald Trump. And everyone in America, whether you’re a Republican, an independent, or a Democrat, says that we need to tell Netanyahu that America calls the shots, not the prime minister of any other country. They want less cooperation and blank checks to Israel, not more. Only the United States Congress would dream up at this moment. Let’s actually do more for Israel, not less. And that’s what section 224 does. It’s a pretty simple thing. Should we do more for Israel than we already do or should we do less? If you think we should do more for Israel, you should be against my amendment. If you think we should do less for Israel at the time that he’s arrogantly telling Donald Trump what to do, then you should be for my amendment. Now, let me just be clear. Mr. Netanyahu actually wrote to a member of Congress to put this section 224 into the bill. He says, I know that aid is unpopular in America. I know that even Republicans don’t want aid. So, here’s what you got to do. Quote, ‘Let’s create a new framework.” This is Netanyahu telling us what we should do, “a new framework of joint defense cooperation, co-development, co-production, and mutual investment in areas including advanced missile defense, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and next generation military platforms.” [NOTE: Khanna appears to be quoting Netanyahu’s 6/1/26 letter to Stutzman (R-IN).] Why? Because he doesn’t want Congress to vote on the aid. He just wants it fused in the bill. Last I checked, Netanyahu doesn’t have a seat on this committee. Mr. Chairman, we need to reject an amendment which his language is coming directly from the Israeli prime minister and we ought to have any aid have a vote of the American people. I am for team America. I am for the interests of this country and I believe that when Donald Trump ran, he ran America first. That includes American interests against any foreign country. We should have American sovereignty and make it clear that we strike 224. If we want to give aid to Israel, if we want to sell them weapons, that should be a vote for the entire Congress.”
Chairman Rogers (R-AL): “Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East and our cooperative programs enhance US national security by giving our war fighters access to cutting edge technologies. Section 20 uh 224 doesn’t create any new programs within the Department of Defense. It simply designates a single senior office off official to coordinate existing initiatives. Section 224 actually improves oversight and accountability of these programs by designating a single official responsible for them. Claims that this provision somehow sees authority to a foreign government are simply ridiculous. I urge all members to oppose the amendment.”
Ranking Member Smith (D-WA): “I’m actually very sympathetic with some aspects of the remarks of Mr. Khana about the frustration we have with Netanyahu’s leadership in Israel. We have endless wars now uh in Gaza, in the West Bank for that matter, in Lebanon. No effort to negotiate, no effort to find partners for peace amongst the Palestinians or the Lebanese even where there are opportunities to do that. Mr. Netanyahu insisted on this war with Iran that has strengthened Iran and weakened our position. I do not like his leadership of Israel or where he is going. But the way this amendment was described is simply not accurate to begin with and let’s be very clear on that. This is not a new framework. It’s not a new framework at all. We have three existing programs right now where we do military cooperation with Israel to develop technologies. Those programs already exist. This amendment doesn’t create a single other program other than those three. It suggests some other areas where maybe we should look at opportunities and as the chairman noted we had somebody now appointed to coordinate those programs. Amendment comes at a very bad time because of everything I just said about Israel. But let’s not forget about what the amendment actually does. And the other part of this and I agree with the chairman to say that this is us bowing to the bidding of Israel on this is completely inaccurate. The reason we’re doing this is because we benefit from that technology development. We develop the weapon systems and the reason that we have these partnerships with Israel where we not may not have as many developed partnerships with other NATO countries is because Israel’s actually been having to fight. They have faced drone attacks and missile attacks. They have had to develop new technologies, technologies that we’ve benefited from. So I agree with the sentiments and the frustrations with the Netanyahu government. I strongly disagree with the notion that this is Congress just bowing to what Netanyahu wants. This is to our benefit. Now, I would suggest, and this just occurred to me this morning, we ought to be doing the same thing with Ukraine because Ukraine is another partner that is having to fight and learning. We should develop drone technology, counter drone technology, countermissile technology. This is a partnership that benefits America. A whole host of other issues. You know, I’m a prime sponsor of the West Bank Accountability Act to sanction the actions that are going on there, things we need to hold accountable. But taking a step back from using technology that is available to us just because we strongly disagree with where Israel is at right now, I think would be a mistake. So, I think this is a program that helps us develop these technologies. It’s not an expansion. And again, I want to make it very clear, this is not a new framework. This framework has existed for quite some time. So, I hope we will not mischaracterize this and we’ll vote on this amendment that is in front of us, not on the larger issue of how we deal with Netanyahu’s government in Israel. I urge a no vote and I yield back.”
Bacon (R-NE): “I’ll keep it brief. You know, this is a win-win relationship. We have Silicon Valley, Israel has Tel Aviv, and it’s like Silicon Valley number two. We have gained so much technology advantages from our partnership with Israel and vice versa they gain as well and this is what we’re trying to do is create that synergy. They support our foreign policy. They’ve been the most supportive of us in the UN. They’re the only democracy in the Middle East. And so I’ll oppose the amendment.”
Wilson (R-SC): “...I agree with the ranking member and that is that we benefit from our association with the people of Israel. They have been instrumental because they’re in a real war, a real war of enemies who are trying existentially to murder all the people of Israel. And with that, we’ve learned so much about anti-missile capability and to protect the American people, to protect the people, all of our allies from Turkey to Saudi Arabia, back to Azeran. And so also it should be known uh that it should be not a surprise that uh this is beneficial to the American people and that we have a regime that is chanting death to Israel, death to America, death to the great Satan which is the United States with the little Satan which is Israel. This is not uh not interconnected. And then we should also remember the Hamas covenant of August 1988 and article 7 provides to chase down every Jew behind a rock or tree until you find the last Jew behind Iraq and kill him. That’s their plan. But after that they come after us. We already see that with the nuclear capability that Iran is trying to develop with missile capability one day might even reach California.”
Golden (D-ME): “Bottom line is section 224 is a practical common sense effort to improve defense technology cooperation with one of America’s closest allies in an area that will directly affect US military readiness. I think to get to the heart of the matter in some ways opponents of section 224 are really allowing a broader broader political disagreement concerns about Israel. Some of which you can debate could be legitimate. But they’re allowing a much broader political disagreement to override a program that fundamentally advances US national security. What section 224 does not do is reduce oversight of US military sales to foreign governments. It doesn’t reduce oversight of cooperation with Israel. It does not provide Israel with access to US military data. Section 224 does not give Israel control over US defense programs or supply chains. does not provide any kind of backdoor way to hide military aid to Israel and it does not merge or fuse the US military in any way with the Israeli Defense Forces. That is all false. What it will do is increase congressional oversight and transparency over an existing partnership with Israel. What it will do is build on an existing cooperative program that has been in place for years. And what it will ultimately do is help save American lives, American service members lives in particular, and strengthen US national security.”
Jacobs (D-CA): “The United States should have the same standards for Israel as we do for everyone else. If any other country in the world had been credibly accused of violating US and international law again and again, of killing tens of thousands of civilians, of blocking food and medicine from reaching a starving population, we would not be moving to deepen and permanently expand our military ties with them. And yet, that is exactly what section 224 of this bill proposes. Since October of 2023, the Gaza Health has counted more than 70,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza, a number that the Israeli military itself has now reportedly accepted. Another 1,079 Palestinians, at least 235 of them children, have been killed in the West Bank. Settler violence has reached unprecedented levels and the Israeli security cabinet has approved 34 settlements in the West Bank, another violation of international law. But even against that backdrop, section 224 would institutionalize and expand US military integration beyond anything in the history of the relationship, fusing our defense industries across research, production, and emerging technologies. And for my colleagues who say that this vote is actually not about the actual provision, it is. Emerging technology is not an abstraction. It means cyber. And that is one field where we have already had to act against an Israeli firm for turning its tools on us. In 2021, the Commerce Department blacklisted NSL Group, the maker of Pegasus spywear for malicious cyber activity against US interest after its software was used to target government officials and journalists. Two administrations from both parties left it on that list. And that same company is right now trying to buy its way into the American market. Fusing our defense and technology sectors together permanently with no conditions in the exact area where we have already been burned is reckless on its own terms. And it would do it through a must-pass bill with almost no oversight and with none of the human rights conditions that govern the rest of our security assistance. We already have laws on the books that tell us what to do in this situation. The Leahy Law prohibits assistance to foreign militaries that have committed gross violations of human rights. The Foreign Assistance Act prohibits arms transfers to countries that are restricting US humanitarian aid. And Israel has been consistently blocking and restricting humanitarian assistance. These laws exist and they’re not being followed or enforced. And instead of demanding enforcement, this committee is proposing we reward that conduct. This committee should enforce the laws we’ve already passed and condition offensive weapons as those laws require, not permanently entrench our militaries together with no strings attached. A clear majority of Americans, 60% already oppose sending more military aid to Israel. They will not support this and neither should we. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to strike section 224.”
Jackson (R-TX): “I actually am the author of this. to my knowledge the best of my knowledge along with my colleague Mr. Davis and I don’t know what Mr. Khanna is talking about but I never received a letter from the prime minister. So that’s complete misinformation [the letter Khanna referenced was sent to – and published by – Stutzman (R-IN), in conjunction with his introduction this week of H. Res. 1339; both the substance and wording of Netanyahu’s letter to Stutzman align quite neatly with the substance/wording of Sec. 224]. Mr. Chairman, this amendment is nothing more than a political stunt to remove a critical bipartisan provision that I was proud to craft with multiple members across both sides of this committee to get included in this year’s bill. Plain and simple, section 224 will allow the US to leverage advanced technologies that ensure our service members are prepared to fight and win against America’s adversaries by designating a Department of War executive agent to synchronize defense cooperation efforts between the US and our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel. This provision the provision will allow us to expand and accelerate bilateral defense technology research, development, testing, and evaluation, fielding, and industrial cooperation. a relationship this committee has supported and reinforced over many NDAAs, but also ensures that we are turning our previous and current investments into real technological military advantages for US systems and war fighters. For example, last year’s NDAA fully funded US-Israel cooperative missile defense programs including Iron Dome, Arrow, and David Sling, as well as authorized funding to expand cooperation with Israel on counter UAS initiatives…counter UAS funding to expand cooperation with Israel, continue US Israel anti-tunnel cooperation program, and establish a US-Israel defense industrial-based working group to evaluate opportunities for greater collaboration on defense production. This initiative builds on that momentum by facilitating the transition of cutting-edge technologies from research and development into procurement and acquisition pathways as well as directing the US-based co-production and manufacturing partnerships. Over the last week, we’ve seen an incorrect, uninformed narrative shared by many members of this of the House on this committee that section 224 would merge US and Israel militaries together. The provision clearly outlines that integration here means integrating useful technologies into US systems, programs of record, and acquisition pipelines. The bill in no way places US forces under Israeli command, nor places Israeli troops under US command. We even require the Department of War to make available on a public website detailed information on any cooperative efforts including a description of how these efforts contribute to US technological and military supremacy. Additionally, we have included a section that requires the protection of sensitive technology and US national security interests. Those stating that section 224 is a military merger by uh merger removing US sovereign command simply have not read or do not want to understand this provision. By supporting section 224, we can leverage combat tested innovations to close our own capability gaps in stockpiles and ensure the US and Israel remain in the technologically advanced fighting force on the earth.”
Davis (D-NC): “We’ve worked on this for some time and I must admit too I haven’t received a letter from the prime minister. But let’s be clear, currently the US and Israel cooperate. Um, this amendment would not stop the collaboration. However, what it would do is hinder our ability to cooperate more efficiently. The spirit of section 224 is to help us better organize our efforts. Here it is. against bad actors around the world. These bad actors are coordinating. They’re working together in an unyielding way to effectively and efficiently inflict harm upon Americans. If we don’t coordinate and have the necessary defense systems in place, the bad actors would then exercise their free will against us. In April of 2024, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, they sent a team of F-15 East. They went over within a 22-hour window, and they began to knock about 80 missiles and drones out of the sky coming from Iran. Here’s where I’m heading. Modern warfare is quickly changing quickly. Is it best practice to use resources such as a ham ram against a $20,000 drone? We have learned so many lessons from Putin’s war. And yet there’s so many lessons for us to learn the cost of war, research, development. If we’re really concerned about cost, why not explore and collaborate in a real way to look at research and employing advanced technology? If peace is our goal, section 224 serves as a deterrent. It does. Lastly, this is not just about the United States and Israel. It’s about how we advance technology, how we innovate to protect the American people and our allies. I was deeply honored to attend the decorating ceremony recognizing those exceptional airmen at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, those brave heroes that performed their mission. And I will say in the same spirit of their dedication to the mission and this country, I ask to reject this amendment.”
Mr. Scott (R-FL): “I support Mr. Jackson and what he has put into the base of the bill. And I just want to remind my colleagues that there are over 50 Muslim majority countries in this world. There is one Jewish majority country in this world. If you want to stop the war with Israel, stop starting wars with Israel. That would be my suggestion to the rest of the world. I think that the alliance between the United States and Israel is extremely important and I for one hope that we continue that alliance and that that alliance becomes stronger as time pushes forward.”
Other Middle East-related amendments:
- An amendment offered by Ryan (D-NY) – “PROHIBITION ON USE OF FORCE IN OR AGAINST IRAN.” DEFEATED by a vote of 26-30.
- An amendment offered by Moulton (D-MA) – “SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING CONFLICT WITH THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN.” DEFEATED by a vote of 27-30.
- An amendment offered by Jacobs (D-CA) – “PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR CLUSTER MUNITIONS. DEFEATED by a vote of 14-42.
- An amendment offered by Moulton (D-MA) [p. 5] – “REPORT ON COST OF UNITED STATES MILITARY OPERATIONS IN IRAN.” [“Requires a report on total financial cost of the United States’ military operations in Iran and on facility infrastructure costs associated with damaged or destroyed U.S. military infrastructure.“] PASSED by Voice Vote as part of En Bloc 6.
- An amendment offered by Harrigan (R-NC) [p. 24] – “UNITED STATES-ABRAHAM ACCORDS DEFENSE COOPERATION INITIATIVE.” [“Establishes a U.S.-Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Initiative to bolster defense cooperation with Abraham Accords countries, focusing on deterring Iran, enhancing regional military planning, and requires a strategy and funding report to Congress within 6 months”] PASSED by Voice Vote as part of En Bloc 5.
- An amendment (to the Report) offered by Houlahan (D-PA) (p. 33) – requiring a briefing on biosecurity threats from Iran following regional instability. PASSED by Voice Vote as part of En Bloc 2.
- An amendment (to the Report) offered by Bell (D-MO) (p. 41) – “Directs United States European Command and United States Central Command to report on opportunities to expand defense partnerships in the eastern Mediterranean to strengthen counter-drone, missile defense, and regional security efforts against Iran-backed threats like Hezbollah.” PASSED by Voice Vote as part of En Bloc 2.
- An amendment (to the Report) offered by Keating (D-MA) (p. 49) – “Requires a report on the impact of United States military operations, including Operation Epic Fury, on Iran’s nuclear and military capabilities.” PASSED by Voice Vote as part of En Bloc 2.
- An amendment (to the Report) offered by Wilson (R-SC) (p. 59) – “Requires a report on the bases and malign activities of Russian forces within the Syrian Arab Republic.” PASSED by Voice Vote as part of En Bloc 2.
- An amendment (to the Report) offered by Wilson (R-SC) (p. 60) – “Limits funding for the Iraqi Security Forces pending SECDEF certification that the Government of Iraq has taken steps to reduce Iranian influence.” PASSED by Voice Vote as part of En Bloc 2.
June 3, 2026: The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission held a hearing entitled, Can Turkey Find Its Way Back to Freedom? Authoritarian Consolidation versus the Defense of Turkish Democracy (hearing vide0). The hearing notice states: “Witnesses will discuss the broader trajectory of democratic backsliding in Turkey, implications for regional stability and the NATO alliance, and policy options available to the United States and Congress in support of democracy and human rights.” Witnesses were: Henri Barkey, Council on Foreign Relations (statement); Michael Rubin, Middle East Forum (statement); Serkan Golge, Senior Research Scientist, Ex-Political Prisoner in Turkey (statement); and Andrew O’Donohue, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
REMINDER: It is simply beyond the capacity of the Round-Up to track [let alone document] what every member of the House and Senate is saying about the US/Israel war with Iran. To see what a specific member has said, check their websites and social media accounts.
Elections & AIPAC, etc.
- Lee (D-PA) 6/2/26: X-post – “The anti-genocide caucus grows. It indeed remains good policy and good politics!”
- Lawler (R-NC) 6/2/26: X-post – “How in the hell has a defense witness in the 1993 WTC bombing, with ties to Al-Qaeda been nominated by the Democrats to serve in Congress? If elected in November, Congress should fully investigate his ties to terrorist organizations and determine whether he is fit to serve.“
- Garamendi (D-CA) 6/1/26: X-post – “I’ve taken $0 from AIPAC and regularly refuse more military and financial aid to Israel, for a simple reason. Israel is conducting a genocide in Gaza. Americans deserve absolute clarity. More politicians need to be transparent about who is backing them.“
- Green (D-TX) 5/28/26: Congressman Al Green’s Additional Statement Responding to AIPAC — “On behalf of tens of millions of hardworking Americans facing an affordability crisis, and who are in need of the billions of hard-earned tax dollars we send to Israel annually, it is time for Israel to finance its own wars.”
- Green (D-TX) 5/28/26: Congressman Al Green Releases Statement in Response to AIPAC’s X Post– ““Afraid to come out during the election, AIPAC has finally reared its ugly head. Click here to read its insidious prevarication. I am not anti-Israel; I am anti-sending any more of hardworking American’s tax dollars to Israel. AIPAC, which has not denounced the genocide in Gaza, seems to perceive every person who denounces the slaughter of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian men, women, and especially children under the leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu as anti-Israel. Question for AIPAC: Why are so many candidates rejecting your once open and notorious contributions? Answer: You have become persona non grata. Shame on you for what you have condoned. Crawl back into your hole. Sincerely, your unbought, unbossed, unafraid, unelected, liberated Democrat – Al Green, The People’s Congressman.”
Pro-Israel/anti-Palestinian (incl Israel Day Parade)
- Lawler (R-NY) 6/3/26: X-post – “It was an honor to speak at the Republican Jewish Coalition event in New York City. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, I spoke about the values that make our nation exceptional and the importance of standing firmly with our ally Israel and the Jewish community. Thank you to the RJC for hosting a great event and for your continued leadership in strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship.”
- Nadler (D-NY) 5/31/26: X-post – “Proud today to march in the Salute to Israel Day Parade on Fifth Avenue in the heart of NY12! I never miss a chance to march in this parade with so many friends, neighbors, and constituents. As a lifelong Zionist, I continue to fight for the Israel envisaged in the Declaration of Independence: ‘The State of Israel will be based on the precepts of liberty, justice and peace taught by the Hebrew Prophets; will uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens, without distinction of race, creed or sex; will guarantee full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture.‘”
- Goldman (D-NY) 5/31/26: X-post – “Proud to walk today in the 62nd Israel Day Parade to celebrate the State of Israel, the only Jewish nation in the world. Just as we do here in the United States, we must recognize that the Israeli government is not synonymous with the State of Israel, which was established long ago as a Jewish and democratic state and must remain that way.”
- Stutzman (R-IN) 5/31/26: X-post – “I had the opportunity while standing on the border of Israel and Lebanon to watch the Iron Dome in action. As amazing and terrifying as it was watching the IDF shoot down Hezbolla attacks, it gave me a true sense of how blessed we are in America that this is not our reality.”
- Fine (R-FL) 5/30/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Jihadi Mamdani has no issue with 60 Muslim-run countries around the world. But the one Jewish state bothers him very much. His true colors continue to show. I’m glad he’s not attending the Israel Day Parade in New York City tomorrow. His disdain for the Jewish people has no place in our country PERIOD.“
- Rosen (D-NC) 5/26/26: X-post – “Hamas committed horrifying deliberate and systematic acts of sexual violence on October 7th, and survivors’ stories that have been newly exposed show the depths of these atrocities. We all have a responsibility to condemn this unspeakable violence.”
- Mace (R-SC) 5/16/26: “We won’t sit back while Jewish Americans are getting attacked in our own country and wait for the next tragedy. We introduced the No Amnesty for Hamas Sympathizers Act, cutting off all immigration benefits and legal protections for individuals from Palestinian-controlled areas or those holding Palestinian Authority travel documents. This should never happen in America. This bill slams the door shut and keeps terrorist sympathizers and antisemitic extremists out.” NOTE – X has added a community note to Mace’s post reading: “
- Scott (R-FL) 5/15/26: X-post – “‘Nakba’ is Arabic for catastrophe. The only catastrophe here is a mayor of New York who lets antisemitic mobs run wild to terrorize law-abiding Jewish New Yorkers while he spreads anti-Israel propaganda.” Responding to powerful video/post from NYC Mayor Mamdani on the occasion of Nakba Day.
Egging on Israeli and/or US Military Action Against Palestinians, Iran, &/or Lebanon
- Fine (R-FL) 6/2/26: X-post – “Muslim terrorists shot 32 rockets into Israel yesterday — every single one aimed at civilians. The idea that there is a ceasefire is a fiction. I support Israel doing whatever necessary to eradicate these demons.“
- Fine (R-FL) 6/1/26: X-post – “Israel should no more have to put up with Muslim terror rockets and drones coming from Lebanon than America would from Cuba. Bombs away.“
- Fetterman (D-PA) 5/28/26: X-post – “I don’t know who needs to hear this but dead Hamas leaders are better for Palestinians, Gaza, the region and world.“
- Fetterman (D-PA) 5/27/26: X-post – “Thank u, next @IDF” with pic of headline – “Hamas military chief Mohammed Odeh killed by Israel, 11 Days after predecessor slain”
- Fetterman (D-PA) 5/16/26: X-post – “Friday, May 15: Hamas’s latest chief erased. After the 10/07 catastrophe, Israel’s commitment to fully eliminating Hamas leadership continues to this day.”
Supporting Forcing Countries to Join Abraham Accords as Condition for Iran Deal
- Fine (R-FL) 5/27/26: X-post w/ video clip – “President Trump doesn’t do short-term fixes. He wants transformational solutions — getting these Arab countries to publicly recognize what they’re already doing in private: that Israel is a force for good in the Middle East. The President is calling on the rest to step up, recognize the State of Israel, and work together for real peace and prosperity. If he succeeds, this will be his greatest foreign policy legacy — solving the most difficult quagmire in the world once and for all.”
- Alford (R-MO) 5/26/26: X-post w/ video clip – “@POTUS is right to push for more Arab nations to join the Abraham Accords with Israel. We were close before Oct. 7 but terrorists derailed it. Now it’s time to get back on track. Peace through strength, stability through partnership.”
- Graham (R-SC) 5/22/26: X-post – “If in fact as a result of these negotiations to end the Iranian conflict, our Arab and Muslim allies in the region agreed to join the Abraham Accords, it would make this agreement one of the most consequential in the history of the Middle East. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan joining the Abraham Accords would be beyond transformative for the region and world. It is a brilliant move by President Trump. To Saudi Arabia and others: Now is the time to be bold for the future of a new Middle East. I expect, as President Trump has suggested, you will in fact join the Abraham Accords effectively ending the Arab-Israeli conflict. If you refuse to go down this path as suggested by President Trump, it will have severe repercussions for our future relationships and make this peace proposal unacceptable. Further, it would be seen by history as a major miscalculation. President Trump: Stick to your guns in getting a good deal with Iran. Equally important, stick to your guns in insisting Saudi Arabia and others join the Abraham Accords as part of these negotiations. Again, this is a brilliant proposal by President Trump.“
Concerns re: West Bank/Gaza/Jerusalem/Palestinians & Lebanon [does NOT include statements/posts related to Lebanon War Powers resolution voted on this week]
- Van Hollen (D-MD) 6/3/26: X-post – “Yesterday, the IDF seized 4 students from their homes in the West Bank, including 20-year-old American, Sama Safi. The Israeli govt didn’t tell her family or the U.S. Embassy where or why she was being taken & is holding her without charges. America must secure her release NOW.“
- Massie (R-KY) 6/3/26: X-post – “Israel has used American-supplied munitions to kill tens of thousands of innocent civilians. America is morally obligated to end support of Israel’s devastation of Gaza and its people. I’m cosponsoring the Block the Bombs Act to limit the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel.“
- Massie (R-KY) 6/2/26: X-post – “It’s all talk. Just withhold foreign aid to Israel for a month and they’ll stop bombing their neighbors – instant peace, the Strait of Hormuz can be opened, and gas drops $2 a gallon. Israel has been, and continues to be, the biggest welfare recipient from American tax payers.” [Re: news report that Trump is mad at Bibi over Lebanon war]
- DeLauro (D-CT) 6/2/26: X-post – “Israel’s attacks against Lebanon are disrupting talks to end the war with Iran and leading to further escalation across the region. Trump’s ‘ceasefire’ is falling apart while Americans keep paying more and more at the pump.“
- DeLauro (D-CT) 6/2/26: X-post – “Gaza needs a major surge in humanitarian aid, and it needs to happen now. The Trump Administration claims they have a plan, but no progress is being made while people starve.“
- Tlaib (D-MI) 6/1/26: X-post – “This must stop. Our country should not be assisting or supporting indiscriminate bombings and forced displacement anywhere, including Lebanon. We must pass the Lebanon War Powers Resolution this week.“
- Tlaib (D-MI) 6/1/26: X-post -“Never stop fighting to stop the genocide in Gaza.“
- Tlaib (D-MI) 6/1/26: X-post – “The government of Israel is prolonging the war with Iran intentionally.”
- Ramirez (D-IL) 6/1/26: X-post – “The genocide has not ended. The Israeli military continues dropping US-made bombs and murdering Palestinian children. We can’t trust the word of unaccountable warmongers like Netanyahu and Trump. Congress must act. Let’s pass my Block the Bombs Act.” With screenshot of headline: “Israeli attack on Gaza City kills at least 10, including four children; More than 20 others were injured in the attack, which came hours after the funeral of the head of Hamas’s military wing”
- Omar (D-MN) 6/1/26: X-post – “The lesson Israel has learned, time and again, is that it can commit genocide and other atrocities with near-total impunity. Now it’s exporting the Gaza playbook to Lebanon. Israel’s war in Lebanon is killing thousands and displacing over a million. NO MORE U.S. AID TO ISRAEL.“
- DeLauro (D-CT) 5/29/26: DeLauro Statement on Israeli Strikes in Beirut and Tyre [“Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision to launch widespread strikes in southern Lebanon and the Beirut suburbs is another dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability and risks prolonging or expanding the war in Iran. Many of these strikes took place in residential areas —a vehicle near Sidon was destroyed, killing six people including a mother and her two children. Israel also ordered evacuations and struck Tyre, one of Lebanon’s largest cities. Lebanese families have already been devastated by months of violence and displacement. These attacks by Israel are causing more unnecessary deaths, and disrupting peace talks. I again condemn these deadly attacks and urge the Israeli government to abide by international law, protect civilians, and pursue an immediate path of de-escalation toward a lasting peace.”]
- Reps. DeLauro (D-CT) and Casten (D-IL) 5/29/26: Op-ed in Responsible Statecraft – Two members of Congress who recently visited Israel and the territory report systematic “forced emigration” of Palestinians by extremist settlers and IDF
- DeLauro (D-CT) 5/29/26: X-post – “This February, I witnessed firsthand how Israeli settlers in the West Bank pursue violent attacks on innocent Palestinians every day. The Israeli government has allowed these attackers to roam free, with almost no accountability. We cannot afford to be a bystander any longer.“
- Massie (R-KY) 5/28/26: X-post – “Israel is running a media op, and America has lots of useful idiots willing to make a buck on it. Meanwhile, we ignore a genocide being committed by ‘America’s best ally,’ and fight a war for them.“
- Shaheen (D-NH) 5/28/26: Ranking Member Shaheen Statement on Continued Hostilities in Lebanon
- Tlaib (D-CA) 5/28/26: X-post – “The genocide in Gaza continues, and there is no ceasefire. Netanyahu is openly announcing the military takeover of 70 percent, and ultimately all, of Gaza. Four more children in Gaza were killed by U.S.-funded Israeli bombs yesterday. No more excuses: Arms Embargo now.“
- Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD) 5/26/26: The Hard Truth My Party Needs to Face; other members of House and Senate posting in support of the op-ed — Warren (D-MA), Smith (R-MN), Merkley (D-OR), Doggett (D-TX), Pocan (D-WI), Welch (D-VT),
- Tlaib (D-MI) 5/22/26: X-post – “Over 3,000 killed. This mass murder must end. The U.S. is not a bystander in the Israeli military’s brutal invasion of Lebanon—it is an active participant. I will force a vote in Congress to immediately end all U.S. participation in this illegal and immoral war on Lebanon.“
Targeting Free Speech/Right to Protest/Academia critical of Israel/Zionism; Weaponization of Claims of Antisemitism; NGO Sector; the UN & ICC
- Fine (R-FL) 5/28/26: X-post – “From the river to the sea, let’s make Manhattan @UN free! It is time for the United States to stop funding the Muslim terror-supporting United Nations and stop letting New York be a playground for terrorists and America-hating dictators from around the world.”
- Moskowitz (D-FL) 5/24/26: X-post – “This is what a successful brainwashing campaign looks like. The “reality” of his social media feed. China is winning.” Responding to video posted by Washington Free Beacon journalist with comment: “WATCH — a young Jewish man who ‘grew up going to Hebrew school’ says he is now supporting @HamawyForNJ because ‘the reality of my social media feed’ made him realize that ‘Zionism is not the correct way’ and adds that ‘my friends at Rutgers helped me realize this‘”
- House Foreign Affairs Committee (GOP) 5/21/26: X-post – “Francesca Albanese has used her position at the @UN to promote antisemitism globally, justifying events as horrendous as October 7th. The Trump administration should have all the tools needed to carry out sanctions on rogue diplomats hurting our interests and our allies.“
Islamophobia
- Fine (R-FL) 6/2/26: X-post – “The barbarians are inside the gates.” Commenting on/re-posting post showing side-by-side photos of the World Trade Center burning on 9/11 and of NYC Mayor Mamdani.
- Fine (R-FL) 5/30/26: X-post w/ video clip regarding NYC Mayor Mamdani not attending pro-Israel march – “Jihadi Mamdani has no issue with 60 Muslim-run countries around the world. But the one Jewish state bothers him very much. His true colors continue to show. I’m glad he’s not attending the Israel Day Parade in New York City tomorrow. His disdain for the Jewish people has no place in our country PERIOD.“
- Fine (R-FL) 5/30/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Jihadi Mamdani has no issue with 60 Muslim-run countries around the world. But the one Jewish state bothers him very much. His true colors continue to show. I’m glad he’s not attending the Israel Day Parade in New York City tomorrow. His disdain for the Jewish people has no place in our country PERIOD.”
- Mace (R-SC) 5/23/26: X-post – “If America doesn’t have your full loyalty, you have no business serving in our government.” NOTE: X has added a Community Note to this post, reading: “Nanny Mace has an entire page on her website dedicated to ‘Standing with Israel’ and has voted on many occasions to take money from U.S. taxpayers and send it to Israel, despite the majority of Americans opposing providing additional economic and military support to Israel. https://mace.house.gov/issues/standing-israel“
- Fine (R-FL) 5/22/26: X-post – “This is the United States of America, not Gaza. We pledge allegiance to one flag and one flag ONLY; that is the American flag. The Muslim terror flag in Chicago should be taken down immediately.” [Photos/videos online make clear that Fine has no issue with the flying of the Israeli flag in the US – see here, for example]
- Fine (R-FL) 5/17/26: X-post – “True statement. I’m not backing down either. Deport and denaturalize Jihadi Mamdani.” Responding to post from @LeadingReport – “Rep. Randy fine says NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani does not belong in America.“
Other stuff
- Jacobs (D-CA) 6/3/26: X-post – “This report confirms what we’ve known for years: the UAE is continuing to provide robust support for the RSF in Sudan, enabling their horrific genocide. The U.S. needs to stop ignoring this and funneling weapons to the UAE anyway.” Linked to article – Rights group accuses UAE of being transit point for mercenaries on way to Sudan (BBC 5/22/26)
- Warren (D-MA) 5/29/26: ICYMI: New Responses to Warren Reveals Trump Admin Failed to Use All Tools to Safely Evacuate Americans from Middle East
- Van Hollen (D-MD) 5/27/26: X-post – “Thanks to HRW, we now know the UAE helped recruit mercenaries to help the genocidal RSF in Sudan. This war has already killed 150,000+ people & displaced 12+ MILLION. We must pass mine & RepSaraJacobs bill to halt arms sales to the UAE until they stop fueling the RSF.“
5. Selected Media
Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/4/26: Why are they really boycotting AIPAC? Bigotry [“The point of the political campaigns aimed at countering the pro-Israel group is to silence and isolate Jews, not opposition to a mythical all-powerful lobby.“]Politico 6/3/26: Here’s what we just learned about the Democratic Party’s future
- The Humanist 6/3/26: The Dark Money Behind America’s Moral Politics
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/2/26: Pro-Israel Dem group head pushes back on senator’s call for Democrats to rethink support for Jewish state
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/2/26: California primaries could signal Dem Party’s direction on Israel, experts say [“The Democratic political consultant Jared Sclar told JNS that ‘the results will cut in more than one direction, and that split is the story.'”]
- New York Times 6/2/26: Group Pledges $2 Million to Fight AIPAC in House Races [“A super PAC created to counter spending from powerful pro-Israel groups will try to help Democrats critical of Israel’s wars and military actions.“]
- Jewish Insider 6/2/26: Anti-Israel Democrats eye 2028 in hopes of reshaping debate [“Sens. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Chris Murphy (D-CT), as well as Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), have been among the party’s most prominent critics of Israel on Capitol Hill amid a marked decline in Democratic support for the Jewish state”]
- The Guardian 6/2/26: Aipac affiliate has funded lavish trips to Israel for dozens of Congress members since 7 October, filings reveal
- Jewish Insider 6/2/26: Josh Shapiro criticizes those attacking Israel’s Jewish character for hypocrisy
- Peter Girnus [creator of journalistic-research-and-analysis-masquerading-as-performance-art] X-post 6/1/26: “I am the Director of Provenance at AIPAC. I wrote the post. ‘AIPAC is all American. American directed. American funded. American members.’ I wrote it, we ran it, and every word is true. The truth is the product. American funded means the money comes from Americans. It does not mean you can follow it. We have a vendor for that. Democracy Engine. A candidate’s FEC filing can read 0 dollars from AIPAC, accurate to the cent, because the money did not arrive from AIPAC. It arrived from Americans, through a processor, off a donation page we built, in an order I designed. We paid that processor $1.42 million in fees so the line ‘0 from AIPAC’ would be flawless. I hide the water. I hide the pipes. The only flaw in the whole machine is that the plumber lists me as a client on his LinkedIn. In Philadelphia, our candidate reported 0 from us. Officially. We said it out loud — we denied funding her at all, and the denial was true to the cent. Then 27 separate donations reached her through Democracy Engine, from people who also write checks to AIPAC. The money was there. The name was not. That is the entire job. There is a dashboard on my wall. It has 1 column, and that column must always read 0. When it reads 0, the money has been made American. I will show you how clean it gets. One of our board members, in a single month, gave 2,000 dollars to a candidate in Philadelphia, 25,000 to the super PAC, and 5,500 to AIPAC directly. 1 man. 3 doors. 3 filings that never have to mention each other. He didn’t launder anything. He used the building the way I designed it. When a name gets heavy, we grow a new one. Elect Chicago Women — $9.8 million on 2 candidates, then a million handed to a third group so the third group’s donors could stay dark. The Center for Democratic Priorities — incorporated in Delaware, no prior interest in Michigan, still hasn’t filed a registration, so the donors stay invisible until July. American funded. You simply cannot find the Americans. My favorite passthrough is named 314 Action. For pi. For scientists. A million dollars from our super PAC went in, read 0 on the April filing, and surfaced on June 20 — after the primary. Even the laundromat has a wholesome name. People think the donors are a secret. They are not. The largest single check we cashed in 2024 was from the man who built WhatsApp. The names are public. It is the path that is private. Here is the part I am proudest of. Our biggest source of Republican money goes into Democratic primaries. We are the largest pipeline of Republican cash into Democratic races in the country, and we spend it telling Democratic voters which Democrat is the real Democrat. The voter in the booth thinks she is settling a family argument. I wrote the argument. I paid for both translations of it. The ads never mention Israel. I am proud of that too. An ad about Israel is a foreign ad. An ad about a primary opponent’s voting record is an American ad, paid for by Americans, about America. Bowman cost $14.6 million. Bush cost $8.6 million. The 2 most expensive House primaries in the country’s history, and the first 2 times either member ever lost. Neither ad said the word that paid for it. We removed 2 members of Congress and the word “Israel” appeared in our spending 0 times. That is a finished product. A congressman named Massie asked the question out loud. So the race against him became the most expensive House primary ever recorded — $32.6 million — and he lost. On the way out he filed a bill demanding we register as a foreign agent. He named it the Americans Insist on Political Agent Clarity Act. He built the letters of my name out of the words foreign agent clarity. The bill written to expose us spells us. He thinks that’s a coincidence. I think it’s the cleanest thing he ever did. A professor once wrote that we are ‘a de facto agent for a foreign government’ with ‘a stranglehold on Congress.’ I keep it framed. People assume the line is his. It isn’t. He was quoting our own former legislative director. The most damning sentence ever written about this building was written first by a man who worked in it. The professor only carried it. I would not have used a word that strong in the brochure, but I am not going to correct a satisfied former employee. The polls have turned. 6 in 10 Americans now look unfavorably on the government we are accused of serving. 2 in 3 Democrats use the word genocide. You would think that ends us. It is why I exist. The less popular the cause, the more valuable the man who can move the money without moving the name. When everyone loved the work, anyone could fund it in daylight. Now they pay me. They call us the lobby that dares not speak its name. They say it like a wound. It is a job description. It is ‘my’ job description. We have answered the foreign-agent demand before. In 1962 a Kennedy’s Justice Department ordered our predecessor to register. We did not register. We dissolved it and incorporated AIPAC 6 weeks later, on American donations. 5 years after that, they withdrew the question. Same mission. New provenance. That is the whole history of the organization. They ask where the money is from. We make sure the answer is always: here. American. Right here. And the next answer is already built. A dollar has a donor. A wallet does not have a country. American funded now means the money came from a wallet, and the wallet was held by an American, and you will never meet the American. You won’t even get a name to fail to follow. The citizen is the wallet now. You just can’t see who’s holding it.”
- Zeteo 6/1/26: First Draft: Why Did Top Democrats Just Attend a Genocide Parade?
- Semaphor 6/1/26: Democratic primaries get an even bigger AIPAC problem
- Jewish Insider 6/1/26: Anti-Israel super PAC’s funding bolstered by GOP-linked donors [“A top donor to American Priorities PAC, which has backed far-left Democratic candidates, has donated to Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie and Greg Abbott”]
- Jerusalem Post 5/31/26: Can AIPAC and J Street coexist? The shrinking middle ground in US-Israel support – opinion
- The Cradle 5/31/26: AIPAC ‘obscures’ support for Democratic candidates in US elections: Report
- Jewish Insider 5/31/26: Democrats’ June primary test: Can the party stop its radical flank? [“Renewed scrutiny of congressional hopefuls Graham Platner and Adam Hamawy highlight the potential for far-left candidates to complicate the party’s midterm ambitions“]
- Democratic Majority for Israel 5/30/26: Senator Van Hollen’s Op-Ed Misses the Mark on Israeli-Palestinian Reality
- Jewish Insider 5/29/26: Antisemitism has become ‘instrumentalized’ and ‘institutionalized’ in politics, media and more, Ted Deutch says
- The Foward 5/29/26: AIPAC is funneling pro-Israel money to candidates and covering its tracks [“With its brand toxic in some Democratic primaries, the lobbying group has set up portals to steer donors to campaigns without attaching its name“]
- Zeteo 5/29/26: First Draft: AIPAC’s Most Hated 2028 Democratic Contenders, By the Numbers [“We break down which Dems the pro-Israel lobby targets most online, and which it doesn’t. Plus: reporter Cecilia Vega departs CBS with a powerful statement about the partisan damage done by Bari Weiss.“]
- Axios 5/28/26: How AI, crypto and AIPAC are ending political careers
- Middle East Monitor 5/28/26: Pro-Israel cash goes undercover as US voters turn against Israel
- The Intercept 5/28/26: Ex-Trump Campaign Chief Funneled Millions of Israeli Government Money to His Longtime Allies’ Companies
- Fox News 5/27/26: Josh Shapiro warns that attacks on AIPAC are being used to ‘silence certain voters’
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/26/26: Republicans are fighting a battle for their souls Democrats already lost [“While the future of the GOP as a pro-Israel party may be in doubt, right now, the Democrats are mainstreaming anti-Zionism and Jew-hatred.“]
- Washington Examiner 5/26/26: How AIPAC’s spending strategy evolved, to the dread of anti-Israel Democrats and Republican detractors
- Jacobin 5/26/26: The Pro-Israel Lobby Is Trying to Fly Under the Radar [“Amid widespread public disapproval of Israel’s destruction across the Middle East, pro-Israel donors aligned with AIPAC appear to be resorting to new fundraising vehicles to covertly channel money to favored Democratic candidates.“]
- Jewish Insider 5/26/26: Josh Shapiro warns of ‘very dangerous’ efforts to target AIPAC supporters in Democratic Party [“Shapiro, to Politico: ‘When you have people who are advocating for issues that they feel strongly about and they are having their voices silenced, I think that’s a problem in our system’”]
- NBC News 5/25/26: Jewish Democrats grapple with a changing party and Israel’s entrenched leadership [“Speakers at a conference blame Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu for alienating Democrats and say there’s room to criticize his government without turning on the nation.“]
- YNet 5/23/26: AIPAC faces political crisis as US midterm battles intensify and support for Israel frays [“AIPAC faces a mounting crisis ahead of US midterms as it pours record sums into costly primaries to defeat critics, while bipartisan support for Israel erodes, Democrats reject donations and both parties see rising anti-Israel sentiment pressure“
- The Lever 5/22/26: The Pro-Israel Lobby’s Quiet Cash Shuffle [“As support for Israel becomes politically toxic, the Better Blue Fund is emerging as a quiet new conduit for AIPAC-linked money in key Democratic primary races.“]
- Mondoweiss 5/21/26: The Shift: Primary season is showing that being pro-Israel is not only bad policy but also bad politics
- Good Authority 5/21/26: Is the Israel-Palestine divide driving Democratic voters? It was an issue in this week’s Pennsylvania primary. But it isn’t a priority for Democrats nationwide.
- Jewish Insider 5/21/26: Track AIPAC under fire as Democrats condemn its extremist Texas pick
- Al Jazeera 5/20/26: How AIPAC channels millions through shell PACs ahead of US midterms [“Al Jazeera analyses how the pro-Israel lobby group has relied on shell political action groups with deceptive names to defeat Israel critics.”]
- The Intercept 5/22/26: AIPAC, AI, Crypto, and Gambling Are Hiding Their Big Election Spends [“Intercept staffers break down the latest election news and the front groups fueling the midterms.“]
- The Lever 5/22/26: The Pro-Israel Lobby’s Quiet Cash Shuffle [“As support for Israel becomes politically toxic, the Better Blue Fund is emerging as a quiet new conduit for AIPAC-linked money in key Democratic primary races.“]
- Washington Post 5/20/26: AIPAC can tank a candidate, even when it spends nothing
- DAWN 5/20/26: U.S.: New Data Highlights AIPAC Ties to the U.S., Israeli Governments
- Jewish Insider 5/20/26: Center-left think tank’s conference avoids the elephant in the room: Israel [“The Center for American Progress hosted leading Democratic officials and featured several panels on foreign policy. Israel was barely discussed“]
- Jewish Insider 5/19/26: Kentucky and Pennsylvania primaries test how parties confront antisemitism in their ranks [“If Republicans end up ousting a lawmaker trafficking in some of the ugliest bigotry, while Democrats anoint a future lawmaker pushing extremist antisemitic conspiracy theories, it’s a sign of the direction both parties are headed“]
- The Intercept 5/18/26: Who’s Spending in Your Congressional Election? We Tracked the Front Groups Fueling the 2026 Midterms. [“Murky political spending groups tout innocuous causes like ‘jobs,’ ‘democracy,’ and ‘electing women.’ Here’s a guide to who’s really behind them.”]
- Jewish Insider 5/14/26: Gottheimer, Moskowitz call on Jewish community to go on the offensive against antisemitism, anti-Israel attacks [“‘No defense, only offense,’ Gottheimer said at an event in Washington commemorating the 78th anniversary of Israel’s founding. ‘I am sick and tired of people apologizing, of making excuses.’“]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California
- The Forward 6/3/26: Scott Wiener wins spot in general election for San Francisco House seat as a Jewish critic of Israel [“Wiener, who declared Israel perpetrates genocide, is part of a cohort of progressive Jews running for Congress and taking oppositional stands“]
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/3/26: California primary results show anti-Israel views not yet mainstream among state Dems, experts say
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/3/26: Sherman advances in California primary, defeats J Street-backed challenger
- Jerusalem Post 6/2/26: Five key California primary races test Jewish voters and candidates on political loyalties [“Can a Jewish progressive who believes Israel committed genocide still earn the support of his local Jewish community? Can an ardent critic of Israel be dethroned in Silicon Valley?“]
- Times of Israel 6/2/26: In California primaries, Jewish voters face a slate of races shaped by Israel, antisemitism [“Tuesday’s contests have some Jews weighing reality TV candidate over left-wing Israel critic, while others consider backing pro-Israel progressive who accused country of genocide“]
- Jewish Insider 6/2/26: Khanna’s hostile turn towards Israel divides Silicon Valley Jews
- Common Dreams 6/2/36: A lobby that asks for its community to have a voice is making a claim every American can make. A lobby that vows to end any candidacy which crosses its red line on Israel is not asking for a voice—it is enforcing obedience and silence.“]
- The Forward 6/1/26: Scott Wiener, Spencer Pratt and Eric Swalwell’s replacement: 5 primaries Jews are watching in California
- SFist 6/1/26: Chakrabarti Campaign Tries to Amplify Pro-Israel PAC’s Indirect Link to Connie Chan as Primary Race Tightens
- Legis 1 6/1/26: Super PAC War Erupts in Race to Replace Darrell Issa
- Jewish News of Northern California 6/1/26: AIPAC didn’t fund Connie Chan. Here’s what actually happened. [“In a statement sent Monday to J., Chan’s campaign noted that the donations were not made to her campaign but to independent entities and called on any group supporting her to reject funding from pro-Israel PACs.”]
- Mission Local 5/31/26: Big backers of Connie Chan for Congress tied to pro-Israel PACs [“Chan, who cannot control independent donations, urged PACs to ‘respect’ her pledge on rejecting AIPAC funds”]
- Drop Site 5/30/26: Super PAC Network Backing Connie Chan Received Hundreds of Thousands from AIPAC [“AIPAC’s United Democracy Project, along with its offshoot DMFI, has funneled money to a network of Super PACs now backing the San Francisco supervisor.“]
- Semafor 5/19/26: Hill progressives endorse in a California race tearing at Democrats
- LA Taco 5/18/26: A Guide to Every Congressional Candidate Being Funded by AIPAC [“This article is intended to provide L.A. voters with publicly available information on pro-Israel PACs, as L.A. TACO believes transparency about political funding and endorsements allows voters to make informed electoral decisions.“]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Colorado
- Jewish Insider 6/2/26: Most Colorado electeds remain silent on SJP praising last year’s antisemitic firebombing
- Colorado Sun 6/1/26: Where John Hickenlooper, Julie Gonzales stand on the issues in Colorado’s Democratic US Senate primary
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Kentucky
- Jewish Insider 6/1/26: RJC celebrates Massie defeat at gala commemorating America’s 250th anniversary [“CEO Matt Brooks: ‘Being anti-Israel in today’s Republican Party is not … a path to success’”]
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/1/26: RJC boasts of Massie defeat in post-parade celebration [“‘That was a fight worth having,’ Matt Brooks, CEO of the Republican Jewish Coalition, said of a $5 million-plus effort to oust the anti-Israel Kentucky congressman.”]
- American Enterprise Institute (AEI) 5/26/26: No, Israel Doesn’t Run America
- Haaretz 5/26/26: How AIPAC and pro-Israel Megadonors Turned a Midterm Race Into the Most Expensive Primary in U.S. History
- Middle East Eye 5/23/26: Thomas Massie’s defeat shows Aipac’s enduring grip over US Republicans
- Christian Science Monitor 5/21/26: Among Democrats, support for Israel is crumbling – with major implications
- Courier Journal 5/21/26: Spending by pro-Israel groups made waves in Massie-Gallrein primary
- Times of Israel 5/20/26: Anti-Israel Republican Thomas Massie loses primary to Trump-backed candidate [“Lawmaker from Kentucky, who was only member of US House to vote against resolution affirming Israel’s right to exist, says he had to find his opponent ‘in Tel Aviv’ to concede race”]
- Al Monitor 5/20/26: AIPAC, pro-Israel groups celebrate Massie’s defeat in Kentucky after spending $9M [“More than $32 million was spent on the race, including $9 million from pro-Israel groups that helped Ed Gallrein defeat Rep. Thomas Massie after his high-profile clashes with President Donald Trump.“]
- Jewish Insider 5/20/26: Pro-Israel groups celebrate Massie’s defeat, brace for Rabb [“While pro-Israel leaders were encouraged by the defeat of Massie in Kentucky, many watched warily as Rabb, a DSA-endorsed candidate with a long record of extremist rhetoric and conspiratorial views, prevailed in a Philadelphia-area Democratic primary“]
- Mondoweiss 5/20/26: AIPAC sends a message by defeating Massie in Kentucky, but takes a massive loss with Rabb’s victory in Philadelphia
- YNet 5/20/26: Trump and AIPAC deliver crushing blow to Israel’s enemies in Congress [“Analysis: primary wins show Trump still controls the GOP base while AIPAC’s election machine keeps translating pro-Israel muscle into real power in Washington, even as anti-Israel voices gain traction in progressive circles“]
- Times of Israel 5/20/26: Reactions to Massie’s Defeat Prove AIPAC Is More Dangerous to Israel Than Iran
- Haaretz 5/20/26: Record pro-Israel Lobby Spending May Have Achieved Its Goal in Kentucky. But at What Cost? [“After Massie’s defeat, chants of ‘fuck Israel’ and ‘fuck AIPAC’ could be heard emanating from the crowd at his election party. Pro-Israel spending may have achieved its primary goal, but AIPAC may very well be sacrificing its long term standing for short term victories“]
- ABC News 5/20/26: AIPAC says it was proud to help pro-Israel Republicans win races in Georgia, Kentucky
- Responsible Statecraft 5/19/26: The Kentucky Republican had another powerful nemesis —President Trump — who made it his mission to make sure opponent Ed Gallrein won tonight.“]
- Al Jazeera 5/20/26: Massie defeated: The Israel lobby’s pyrrhic victory in Kentucky [“The extraordinary campaign to unseat Thomas Massie exposed a growing Republican backlash against pro-Israel political influence.”]
- Haaretz 5/20/26: GOP Rebel Thomas Massie Loses Kentucky Primary After Record-high Spending From pro-Israel Foes
- Zeteo 5/19/26: BREAKING: Thomas Massie Loses Primary in Big Win for Trump and AIPAC [“Tuesday’s race in Kentucky was the most expensive primary ever, after pro-Israel donors poured in millions to unseat the right-wing Trump critic.“]
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/19/26: Trump-backed former Navy SEAL beats Massie in Kentucky Republican primary [“Barbara Feingold, a board member at the Republican Jewish Coalition, which spent $5 million supporting Gallrein who defeated Massie, told JNS that voters ‘don’t want someone who is a blatant antisemite.’”]
- Times of Israel 5/19/26: A GOP primary has become a costly battle over Israel. Will it matter in the long run? [“Pro-Israel groups are spending millions to unseat Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, but even if he loses, it may not be dead end for his fellow Republican opponents of Israel, whose numbers seem to be growing“]
- Haaretz 5/19/26: Pro-Israel Groups Pour Record Sums Into Bid to Defeat GOP Rebel Thomas Massie in Kentucky Primary [“Rep. Thomas Massie, a vocal critic of U.S. support for Israel who has drawn accusations of antisemitism, is facing Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein in Tuesday’s tightly contested primary, now the most expensive in American history“]
- Jewish Insider 5/19/26: Massie’s closing message leans into conspiratorial attacks on Israel, Jewish groups [“The embattled Kentucky congressman called his Trump-endorsed challenger a ‘puppet’ of the Republican Jewish Coalition“]
- UnHerd 5/18/26: Aipac may defeat Thomas Massie, but it has lost GOP war
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/18/26: Antisemitism transformed Thomas Massie from libertarian extremist to liberal hero [“The anti-Trump congressman from Kentucky is blaming his primary woes on Israel and Zionist billionaires. And the liberal press and Jew-haters everywhere are cheering for him.“]
- ABC News 5/18/26: Ahead of Tuesday primary, Trump target Massie says billionaires are trying to ‘buy’ his seat
- Politico 5/17/26: Massie’s primary is the most expensive in history. Pro-Israel groups have played a huge part.
- Jewish Currents 5/14/26: From the News Desk: A Pro-Palestine Super PAC Runs the AIPAC Playbook
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maine
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/2/26: Fetterman calls Platner ‘ghoul’ for ‘cheering on Hamas’
- American Prospect 5/29/26: AIPAC and Auchincloss — Today on TAP: Why is a Democratic congressman from Massachusetts attacking Graham Platner?
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maryland
- Politico 6/4/26: Van Hollen blasts AIPAC, crypto spending for Hoyer’s chosen successor
- Jewish Insider 6/4/26: Van Hollen accuses AIPAC of ‘trying to buy’ congressional seat in Hoyer succession race [“Adrian Boafo, the recipient of AIPAC’s support, said he agrees with the senator ‘that big money has no place in politics’ and that he would work with Van Hollen in Congress to ‘end Citizens United once and for all’“]
- Jewish Insider 6/3/26: AIPAC betting big on pro-Israel Democrat and party favorite in Maryland [“State Del. Adrian Boafo is Steny Hoyer’s favored candidate, and is getting support from Democratic leaders across the state”]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan
- Bridge MI 6/2/26: In Senate forum, Michigan Dems debate Israel, agree to support nominee
- New York Times 5/28/26: A Democrat’s Dodge on AIPAC Points to the Party’s Tensions Over Israel [“A key moment at a Senate primary debate in Michigan showed how pro-Israel Democrats are approaching the issue with caution.”]
- Michigan Advance 5/28/26: Democratic U.S. Senate candidates spar over AI data centers, AIPAC funding
- Detroit News 5/28/26: Pro-Israel PAC uses ‘loophole’ to quietly fund Stevens in Dem primary
- Jewish Insider 5/28/26: At Mich. Senate debate, McMorrow says Dems have an antisemitism problem [“Meanwhile, Rep. Haley Stevens avoided a question about receiving support from pro-Israel donors, while Abdul El-Sayed blamed rising antisemitism on white supremacy“]
- Sludge 5/26/26: The Consultants Cashing In on Pro-Israel Campaign Spending
- Jewish Insider 5/26/26: El-Sayed said he struggles with question of whether Israel should exist as a Jewish state [“The Michigan Senate candidate questioned how Israel being a Jewish state is ‘consistent with any form of liberal values that we say we believe in here in the United States’“]
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/21/26: ‘Never been harder time in my lifetime to be a Jew in America,’ Michigan senator says at Capitol Hill Jewish heritage event [“‘As a Democrat, it’s my responsibility to call out antisemitism in my own party, just as I hope that Sen. Lankford calls out antisemitism in his party,’ Sen. Elissa Slotkin said at the event.“]
- Detroit Free Press 5/20/26: AIPAC has become a dirty word in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race
- Jewish Insider 5/20/26: JDCA backs both McMorrow and Stevens in Michigan Senate race [“The move is intended to block Abdul El-Sayed’s path to victory, though a divided mainstream vote could help the anti-Israel candidate“]
- Politico 5/16/26: Poll: Israel is dividing Republicans, too [“The emerging fractures carry significant implications for the future of the U.S.-Israel alliance and GOP efforts to keep together President Donald Trump’s coalition.“]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Montana
- Jewish Insider 5/29/26: Most Montana Democrats running for Rep. Ryan Zinke’s seat slam U.S.-Israel relationship
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey
NOTE: With respect to Jewish Insider article linking NJ candidate Hamawy to Al Qaeda via an NGO he volunteered with in Bosnia in 1994 (and the slew of stories it spawned), Drop Site provided in an X-post key factual background largely ignored by these stories: “The outlet Jewish Insider is attacking New Jersey congressional candidate Adam Hamawy over volunteer work he performed in Bosnia in 1994 with the Benevolence International Foundation, or BIF, later accused by the U.S. government of ties to jihadist networks. What the article leaves out is that during the very same period, a U.S. envoy under President Bill Clinton visited a BIF office in Sudan and, according to a U.S. government court filing, ‘praised BIF and its efforts to provide humanitarian relief.’ The filing also states BIF worked openly with organizations including UNICEF, WHO, and the Red Crescent. Hamawy told a local paper that after graduating medical school, he spent five weeks in Bosnia helping deliver medical supplies to hospitals during the war. ;I worked in Sarajevo for 10 days and then the rest in Zenica,’ Hamawy said. ‘We went out to hospitals around the area and in the mountains to check what supplies they needed and we tried to deliver them.’ BIF was an Illinois-based Islamic charity that operated in Bosnia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and elsewhere. U.S. prosecutors alleged, after 9/11, that BIF leaders covertly provided logistical support to mujahideen and al Qaeda-linked figures while also carrying out legitimate humanitarian work. Hamawy has since spent decades volunteering in war and disaster zones, including Gaza, Haiti, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Jordan, Turkey, Colombia, Belize, and Bosnia. In 2024, he volunteered at Gaza’s European Hospital during the height of Israel’s genocidal assault on the enclave and was temporarily trapped inside after Israel seized the Rafah crossing. Hamawy also served as a U.S. Army doctor in Iraq and is known for helping save the life of current Senator Tammy Duckworth after her helicopter was shot down in 2004.” Mehdi Hassan also noted on X: “It’s an Islamophobic, guilt-by-association hitjob from @jewishinsider / @JoshKraushaar on @HamawyForNJ who volunteered for this charity in 1994, before its Al Qaeda links were known & same year the Clinton administration praised that same charity. Is Bill Clinton now Al Qaeda too?” Note that Sen. Sheehy (R-MT) responded on X to the Jewish Insider article: “Democrats are now running actual terrorists for Congress. Surprising? No. Disappointing? Yes.”
- In These Times 6/4/26: Dr. Adam Hamawy Helped Save Lives in Gaza and Protested the Israeli Genocide—And He’s Likely Headed to Congress
- Mondoweiss 6/4/26: The Shift: Doctor who served in Gaza wins New Jersey primary
- Jewish Insider 6/4/26: UDP faces questions from N.J. Jewish leaders why it stayed on sidelines against Hamawy [“Hamawy, despite his past ties to a convicted terrorist, faced minimal scrutiny from outside groups — including many of his primary rivals“]
- Jewish Insider 6/3/26: GOP lawmakers argue Hamawy’s terror ties could pose national security risk in House
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/3/26: NJ Democratic congressional nominee compares anti-ICE activism to hiding Jews in Nazi Germany
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/3/26: Surgeon with ties to ‘blind sheikh’ wins NJ Dem primary, likely to be elected to Congress in November
- The Free Press 6/3/26: He Defended a Terrorist. Will Democrats Embrace Him?
- Time 6/3/26: Who Is Adam Hamawy, the Anti-AIPAC Surgeon Who Won a Congressional Primary in New Jersey
- Jewish Insider 6/3/26: Hamawy victory overshadows mixed primary night for pro-Israel Democrats [“Despite his baggage, Hamawy is expected to win election to Congress in November, given the central New Jersey district’s heavily Democratic electorate“]
- Haaretz 6/3/26: Pro-Palestinian Doctor Who Volunteered in Gaza Wins NJ Democratic Primary [“Adam Hamawy, who earned national scrutiny over his pro-Palestinian advocacy, has also spoken out against American military aid to Israel“]
- The Forward 6/3/26: Staunch Israel critic and Gaza trauma surgeon Adam Hamawy wins NJ-12 primary [“Hamawy’s victory makes him the latest in a string of vocally pro-Palestinian candidates to win the Democratic nomination for Congress“]
- The Intercept 6/2/26: Adam Hamawy, Doctor Who Volunteered in Gaza, Poised to Become Pro-Palestine Rep. From New Jersey [“Hamawy won despite media reports that sought to tarnish the progressive candidate as an Islamic extremist.“]
- Insider NJ 6/2/26: DR. ADAM HAMAWY WINS CROWDED PRIMARY TO BEAT NJ MACHINE & ESTABLISHMENT IN SUBURBS
- Jewish Insider 6/2/26: Despite past terror ties, Hamawy prevails with narrow plurality in N.J. Dem primary
- Washington Examiner 6/1/26: Progressive Democratic House front-runner Adam Hamawy faces scrutiny over past terrorist association
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/1/26 (Steven Emerson): The defense witness who lied is running for office in New Jersey
- Huffington Post 6/1/26: The Pro-Palestine Movement Is On The Verge Of One Of Their Biggest Electoral Victories Yet – Hamawy is the front-runner in Tuesday’s primary for a solidly Democratic New Jersey congressional district.
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5/29/26: NJ-12 candidate Adam Hamawy decries antisemitism amid scrutiny of his Israel views – The Democratic hopeful tells JTA that Muslim and Jewish safety is “intertwined.”
- New Jersey Globe 5/29/26: As 12th district race enters final days, can anyone stop Adam Hamawy?
- Jewish Insider 5/29/26: Adam Hamawy’s Democratic rivals, Rep. Gottheimer call for answers on his terrorist ties
- Newsweek 5/29/26: Adam Hamawy’s Chances in New Jersey After Link to Al-Qaeda Group Reported
- Townhall 5/27/26: Leading New Jersey Democratic Congressional Candidate Adam Hamawy Has Ties to Al-Qaida
- Jewish Insider 5/27/26: Leading N.J. Dem congressional candidate Adam Hamawy volunteered with Al-Qaida-tied group in Bosnia
- New York Post 5/27/26: Top NJ congressional hopeful volunteered with al-Qaeda-linked group in 1990s
- Daily Caller 5/27/26: New Jersey Candidate Reportedly Volunteered For Humanitarian Group Later Found To Be Affiliated With Al Qaida
- Yeshiva World 5/27/26: TERRORISTS IN THE HOUSE? Democratic Frontrunner For NJ Congressional Race Volunteered For Al-Qaeda-Linked Group
- Front Page 5/27/26: NJ Muslim Congress Candidate Volunteered for Al Qaeda Group
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York
- The Forward 6/5/26: In the race for Jerry Nadler’s seat, much talk on Israel but little disagreement
- New York Post 6/2/26: Anti-Israel Texas businessman bankrolling PAC pushing trio of Mamdani-backed, far-left NY House candidates
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/2/26: Israel a central focus in first debate between Goldman and Lander for NY 10th Congressional District [“‘I was proud to march in the Israel Day parade to celebrate the nation and the State of Israel, a Jewish and democratic state that is distinct from its government,’ Rep. Dan Goldman said at the debate.”]
- Jewish Insider 6/2/26: Lander and Goldman spar over Israel in televised showdown [“Lander defended Park Slope Food Coop BDS advocates in duel with Dan Goldman — but explained he left the DSA over group’s ‘vile’ response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks”]
- Jewish Insider 6/2/26: Mamdani-backed House candidate has inflammatory past and extremist reading list [“Darializa Avila Chevalier railed against Democratic leaders and U.S. veterans, and co-hosted a podcast with Oct. 7 cheerleader“]
- Jewish News Syndicate 6/1/26: In questionnaire, Goldman defends voting to censure Tlaib for antisemitism after Oct. 7, Lander says he’d have opposed it
- New York Times 6/1/26: The Congressional Primary Tearing the Mamdani Coalition in Two
- The Indypendent 6/1/26: DSA Candidates Face Onslaught of Pro-Israel Spending in Final Weeks of NY’s Democratic Primaries
- Jewish Insider 5/28/26: DSA quietly poised to make inroads in NYC’s congressional delegation [“Two DSA-backed challengers have a credible shot at winning seats, while Rep. Dan Goldman is down in polls against Brad Lander“]
- Politico 5/27/26: Goldman and Lander spar hard over Israel
- New York Daily News 5/23/26: Israeli food boycott battle at Brooklyn food co-op exposes deepening NYC divisions
- Jewish Currents 5/21/26: Despite Anti-AIPAC Rhetoric, Congressional Progressives Rally Behind AIPAC-Backed Incumbent
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Oregon
- Zeteo 5/24/26: Swearing Off ‘Toxic’ AIPAC Money: Oregon Democrat Opens Up to Mehdi [“In 2024, AIPAC spent roughly $2 million to elect Maxine Dexter. Now, she’s supporting Rashida Tlaib’s Gaza genocide resolution. The tides are changing.“]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania
- Jewish Insider 6/3/26: Fetterman, McCormick say Democrats have worse antisemitism problem than GOP [“‘We don’t have many people in the Republican Party who are running for office with Nazi tattoos on their chests,’ McCormick said, referring to Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner“]
- Jewish Exponent/JTA 5/29/26: With AOC Backing and Anti-Israel Message, Chris Rabb Wins Primary in Philadelphia
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/25/26: Moskowitz, Gottheimer concerned by Rabb’s primary victory following Bondi post
- New York Magazine 5/21/26: The Man Who Explains Israel to John Fetterman
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5/20/26: What Tuesday’s primaries tell us about Democrats, Republicans and the Israel issue [“Opposition to Israel is growing in both parties, but for GOP voters Trump is still what matters.”]
- Times of Israel 5/20/26: Anti-Israel ‘squad’ member Chris Rabb wins Democratic Congress nod in Pennsylvania [“Backed by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and far-left streamer Hasan Piker, Rabb made opposition to Israel and AIPAC central to campaign; facing no Republican rival, his seat is assured“]
- Jewish Insider 5/19/26: Cory Booker to rally with Sharif Street in last-minute boost against far-left challenger [“Booker’s appearance could help Street mobilize the district’s base of Black voters, but analysts still view him as underdog to far-left challenger Chris Rabb“]
- Time 5/19/26: Chris Rabb Scores Big Win for Progressives in Pennsylvania Primary Battle
- The Forward 5/18/26: Israeli flag attack ad prompts antisemitism charge in PA state race — yet boosts the Jewish candidate [“Mailers to voters from a cryptic PAC endorse a progressive in Tuesday’s primary who says Israel committed genocide“]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Texas
- Shift 6/3/26: Flush AIPAC’s Dark Money Out of Texas [“Getting dark money out of politics means tackling the biggest foreign lobby group destroying our elections.“]
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/29/26: Longtime Dem congressman doubles down on attacking Israel after losing runoff in new Texas district [“‘It is time for Israel to finance its own wars,’ stated Rep. Al Green, a 21-year Texas Democratic congressman.”]
- Houston Chronicle 5/28/26: Al Green tells AIPAC to ‘crawl back into your hole’
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/28/26: Longtime Dem congressman Al Green decries AIPAC after losing runoff in newly drawn Texas district [“‘I am not anti-Israel. I am anti-sending any more hardworking Americans’ tax dollars to Israel,’ he said, after the pro-Israel group called him “one of the most outspoken anti-Israel voices in Congress.‘”]
- Jewish Insider 5/20/26: Gottheimer, Moskowitz will vote to expel antisemitic Texas Dem Maureen Galindo if elected
- Jewish Insider 5/19/26: Secretive GOP-linked super PAC Lead Left boosting antisemitic Dem candidate in Texas [“Democrats are uniting to condemn Maureen Galindo’s extremist candidacy — and blame the GOP’s opportunistic intervention“]
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency 5/15/26: Talarico won’t campaign with Democratic House candidate who wants to open ‘a prison for American Zionists’
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Washington
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/19/26: Anti-Israel protesters showing up at his home ‘use threats, intimidation to try to silence people,’ Washington state Dem congressman says [“Rep. Adam Smith, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, told JNS that ‘the far-right and the far-left have decided that threats and intimidation are another way to try to either drive people out or make them so scared that they acquiesce.’“]
Israel Day Parade in NYC
- Zeteo 6/1/26: First Draft: Why Did Top Democrats Just Attend a Genocide Parade?
- The Forward 5/31/26: NY Democratic stalwarts show support for Israel even as Mamdani skips parade
Iran
- Jewish Insider 6/3/26: Fetterman warns Trump against caving on Iran nuclear deal [“The Pennsylvania Democrat, the most hawkish member of his party on Iran, told JI that failing to eliminate Tehran’s nuclear threat would undermine the president’s legacy“]
- NIAC Capitol Insider 6/2/26: Congress Returns This Week For Major Showdowns on Iran Policy [“The NIAC Capitol Insider is a newly launched digest tracking the latest from Congress on Iran-related policy developments, legislation, votes and more. This resource is designed to give our community a clearer, more comprehensive understanding of how Congress is approaching Iran policy by breaking down votes, providing policy analysis, and updating on key congressional actions.“]
- Times of Israel 5/24/26: ‘Nightmare for Israel’: Senior GOP senators criticize alleged terms of emerging Iran deal
Other Stuff
- Jewish Insider 6/5/26: Lawmakers raise concerns as Trump prepares civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia
- Politico 6/3/26: Max Miller rebuked for accusing Rashida Tlaib of associating with Hezbollah
- Huffington Post 6/4/26: GOP Lawmaker Busted By Video After Claiming She Was ‘Smacked’ By Activist
- Jewish Insider 6/2/26: Gottheimer: Emirati officials alarmed by rising antisemitism in U.S.
- Jewish Insider 6/1/26: Gottheimer meets with top officials in UAE [“The New Jersey Democrat met last week with Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan”]
- Haaretz 5/30/26: Leading House Democrats Call for Immediate U.S. Action Against Israeli Settler Violence, West Bank Annexation [“Rep. Rosa DeLauro and Rep. Sean Casten urged the restoration of Biden-era sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers and a ban on Israeli West Bank residents from participating in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program”]
- New York Post 5/19/26: Activist who sent Ilhan Omar’s daughter and Hasan Piker on Cuba aid convoy has ties to Hamas and Iran
- Jewish News Syndicate 5/19/26: Dem colleagues need ‘reasonable position’ on dismantling UNRWA, says House armed services panel ranking member [“‘I would like to see something that says, ‘And here’s what’s going to be there instead,’’ Rep. Adam Smith, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, told JNS.“]