FMEP Legislative Round-Up: November 12, 2021

Resource

1. Bills, Resolutions, Letters
2. Recess Travel to Israel/Palestine
3. On the Record

*Brought to you in cooperation with Americans for Peace Now, where the Round-Up was born!

Special note: On October 22, 2021, the Israeli government declared six Palestinian human rights groups to be “terror organizations” – a designation that effectively outlaws the groups, criminalizes their work under Israeli law and enables Israel to seize assets, arrest staff, prohibit funding, and punish public expressions of support and solidarity. With this terror designation, the Israeli government has escalated its longtime efforts to crush Palestinian organizations that document Israel’s ongoing violations of Palestinian human rights and seek to hold Israel accountable. FMEP is proud to present a compendium of resources on this issue (which we are adding to every day).

New additions this week:

1. Bills, Resolutions & Letters

(STAND UP TO ISRAELI DESIGNATIONS OF PALESTINIAN NGOS) McGovern letter to Blinken: On 11/12, Rep. McGovern (D-MA) sent a letter to SecState Blinken expressing his “grave concern over the October 22nd decision of Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz to designate six prominent Palestinian human rights and civil society groups as ‘terrorist organizations‘” as well over the further designation on November 7th applying inside the West Bank. The letter notes that McGovern “welcomed the State Department’s expressed concern about Israel’s October 22nd decision and its request for clarification on these designations from the Israeli government,” but adds that since the in the initial announcement, “press reports by Israeli and international media have appeared regarding the lack of proof to justify the terror label for these Palestinian groups.” McGovern goes on: “I respectfully ask you to share with me the steps taken by the State Department to review these designations and I urge you to take up the matter directly with the Government of Israel and ask that it reverse this decision. Given Sunday’s declaration to extend the designation to the NGOs’ West Bank operations, it is even more urgent that the United States respond.” McGovern’s letter documents the history of Israeli attacks on the organizations and closes with a clear exhortation: “Mr. Secretary, it is not enough to have expressed an initial leeriness regarding Israel’s decision to designate these six organizations as terrorist groups. It is now time to firmly and unambiguously denounce the actions taken and urge the Israeli government to reverse its decisions.” [bold added by me]. McGovern tweet announcing the letter is here.

(FURTHER ACTION AGAINST SURVEILLANCE TECH) Malinowski et al letters to Blinken & Raimondo: On 11/5, Reps. Malinowski (D-NJ), Porter (D-CA), Castro (D-TX), and Eshoo (D-CA) sent letters to SecState Blinken & Commerce Secretary Raimondo urging them to use their resources to “further expose the direct link between advanced surveillance technologies and human rights abuse around the world, most recently highlighted by the revelations surrounding NSO Group’s Pegasus software and the Commerce Department’s entity listing of NSO Group and other companies. This bold step by the Biden administration highlights the risks from proliferation of off-the-shelf products marketed by foreign companies that facilitate gross human rights abuses. However, we write to urge further action to deter the growing proliferation of such products and services.” Press release is here. Also see: Middle East Eye 11/11: US lawmaker [Malinowski] leads call against ‘hacking for hire’ after NSO blacklisting; Jerusalem Post 11/10: Congressman leading call against NSO: This is not against Israel

 

2.Recess Travel to Israel/Palestine

This week was the Veteran’s Day recess, during which lots of members of Congress visited Israel/Palestine (congressional delegations, aka CODELs). Based on media reports, here are details of these CODELS:

(A) Bipartisan, Bicameral delegation, including Sens. Cardin (D-MD), Portman (R-OH), and Casey (D-PA), as well as Reps. Hoyer (D-MD), Cohen (D-TN) and Cleaver (D-MO). Also see:

  • Naftali Bennett (Israeli Prime Minister) 11/11: Tweet – “It was a pleasure meeting with a bipartisan delegation of US members of Congress led by @LeaderHoyer and @SenatorCardin. Thank you for your support for Israel and your commitment to strengthening the US-Israel alliance.”
  • Yair Lapid (Alternate Prime Minister of Israel and Minister of Foreign Affairs) 11/10: Tweet – “This afternoon at the Knesset, I met with a bipartisan delegation led by my friends @SenatorCardin and @LeaderHoyer. I look forward to continuing to work with all our friends in Congress to strengthen the US-Israel alliance on the basis of our shared values.”
  • Benny Gantz (Israeli Defense Minister) 11/9: Tweet – “I was honored to meet with a bipartisan delegation of US Congress members led by @leaderhoyer & @senatorcardin. We discussed the region’s most pressing challenges, starting with Iran & its destabilizing influence. We also reiterated the unwavering bond between the US & Israel.”
  • Isaac Herzog (Israeli president) 11/11: Tweet – “The U.S.-Israel relationship is an essential strategic alliance. My wife Michal and I were delighted to welcome to the President’s Residence in Jerusalem our friends @SenatorCardin, @LeaderHoyer, @SenBobCasey, @senrobportman, @RepCohen, @repcleaver and their spouses.”
  • US Embassy Jerusalem 11/9: Tweet – “Last night, Chargé d’Affaires Michael Ratney hosted #AbrahamAccords partners with a bipartisan U.S. congressional delegation to demonstrate our commitment to deepening and broadening Israel’s normalization in the Arab & Muslim world, with existing and new partners.”
  • Group pic from visit to Peres Center for Peace and Innovation
  • Cohen (D-TN-9) 11/10/2021: Retweet of @Isaac_Herzog – “The U.S.-Israel relationship is an essential strategic alliance. My wife Michal and I were delighted to welcome to the President’s Residence in Jerusalem our friends @SenatorCardin, @LeaderHoyer, @SenBobCasey, @senrobportman, @RepCohen, @repcleaver and their spouses. Link to photo”
  • Portman (R-OH) press release (with details of the trip) – Portman Visits Israel with Bipartisan Congressional Delegation
  • Per Jewish Insider: “A congressional delegation to Israel led by Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) met with ambassadors from the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Morocco, Bahrain, Jordan and Kosovo to discuss the Abraham Accords, according to a statement from Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH), who was also on the trip. The group also met with Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, Palestinian students in the West Bank, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Brig. Gen. Shlomi Binder.”

(B) J Street-organized CODEL, including Pocan (D-W), DeLauro (D-CT), Bowman (D-NY), Lee (D-CA) and Stansbury (D-NM). Also see:

  • Naftali Bennett (Israeli Prime Minister) 11/10: Tweet – “Had a great meeting with @RosaDelauro, @RepBarbaraLee, @JamaalBowmanNY, @MondaireJones, @MelanieforNM & @repmarkpocan in my office in Jerusalem. It was good seeing you and discussing ways to strengthen the US-Israel alliance.”
  • Yair Lapid (Alternate Prime Minister of Israel and Minister of Foreign Affairs) 11/8: Tweet – “This evening at the Knesset, I met with a delegation of Democratic members of Congress. I thanked them for supporting the replenishment of the Iron Dome missile defense system, and we discussed the importance of continuing to strengthen the US-Israel relationship.” [with pic]
  • Politico 11/8, with details of the trip’s itinerary  [“LOGAN BAYROFF, J Street’s vice president of communications, told us the lawmakers will spend equal time listening to Israeli and Palestinian voices. On the Israeli side, they’ll hear from Foreign Minister Lapid and Transport Minister MERAV MICHAELI, along with Knesset members and representatives of the Israeli Defense Forces. On the Palestinian side, they’ll chat with Prime Minister MOHAMMAD SHTAYYEH. The lawmakers will also chat with civil society leaders and issues experts and activists from both sides.”]
  • Haaretz 11/11: Progressive Democrats Meet Palestinian Communities Suffering From Settler Violence
  • Jewish News Syndicate 11/11: Did Bennett’s J Street meeting help Israel’s efforts to hold onto Democratic support?
  • Jewish New Syndicate 11/10: Bennett meets members of Congress, including those on trip sponsored by J Street
  • JTA 11/9: Jamaal Bowman, Squad member, joins J Street tour of Israel and meets Yair Lapid
  • Bowman (D-NY) 11/10: Tweet – “Had the honor of meeting with children today in the occupied West Bank city Hebron. There are streets they cannot walk and places they cannot go, simply because they are Palestinian. When I asked about their dreams, their answer was simple: freedom. The occupation must end.” [with pic of Bowman with Palestinian children]
  • Pocan (D-WI-2) 11/10/2021: Tweet – “Today ⁦@JamaalBowmanNY & I visited w/ Nasser of Susia in Palestine today to discuss Israeli settler violence to his village. We will be watching to make sure no violence occurs this weekend or anytime. Thanks ⁦@jstreetdotorg⁩ @BtSIsrael⁩! @Israel⁩ ⁦@IDF ⁩ Link to photo” [Pocan’s inclusion of the IDF on that last line led to backlash from some people who interpreted it as Pocan thanking the IDF. He sought to clarify that in a series of subsequent tweet here, here, here, here, and here.

(C) A bipartisan, bicameral CODEL led by Coons (D-DE) and Ernst (R-IA), including Markey (D-MA), Gillibrand (D-NY), Rosen (D-NV), Baldwin (D-WI) and Bennet (D-CO), and Reps. Malinowski (D-NJ), Westerman (R-AR) and Peters (D-CA). Also see:

  • Naftali Bennett (Israeli Prime Minister) 11/10: Tweet – “Had an excellent meeting with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation in Jerusalem. @ChrisCoons, @SenatorBennet, @Gillibrandny, @SenatorBaldwin, @SenMarkey, @SenJoniErnst, @SenJackyRosen, @RepScottPeters, @RepWesterman, @RepMalinowski— it was great seeing you all.” [Gillibrand, D-NY, tweeted in response, “It was an honor to meet with you, Prime Minister!”]
  • Prime Minister of Israel 11/9: Tweet – “Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met tonight with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation led by Senator @ChrisCoons, at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.”
  • Yair Lapid (Alternate Prime Minister of Israel and Minister of Foreign Affairs) 11/10: Tweet – “This morning in Jerusalem, I was delighted to host a large bipartisan delegation led by my good friend, Senator @ChrisCoons. Israel is deeply grateful for the strong support of our friends in both parties.”
  • Benny Gantz (Israeli Defense Minister) 11/10: Tweet – “I had an excellent meeting with a bipartisan delegation of US Congress members led by Senator @chriscoons. We discussed global and regional security issues, defense cooperation and opportunities to advance peace.”
  • Haaretz: Biden’s Best Friend in the Senate Expected in Israel for Talks With Bennett, Top Officials
  • Gillibrand (D-NY) 11/11: Twitter – “Very productive meeting yesterday with Israeli Foreign Minister @yairlapid.” [with group pic]
  • Westerman (R-AR-4) 11/10/2021: Retweet of @naftalibennett – “Had an excellent meeting with a bipartisan US Congressional delegation in Jerusalem. @ChrisCoons, @SenatorBennet, @Gillibrandny, @SenatorBaldwin, @SenMarkey, @SenJoniErnst, @SenJackyRosen, @RepScottPeters, @RepWesterman, @RepMalinowski — it was great seeing you all.  Link to photo”

3.On the Record

Israel/Jerusalem

Cruz (R-TX) 11/11: Tweet – “good!” Linked to article, Activist investor says Ben & Jerry’s Israel boycott is harming Unilever shares (New York Post)

Scott (R-FL) 11/10: Tweet – “The Biden admin’s refusal to stand by our great ally Israel & reject the right of return for Palestinian refugees only threatens the Jewish STATE of ISRAEL & empowers our ally’s enemies in the @UN. Joe Biden must stop being weak & protect Israel from those who wish it harm.” Linked to article, US changes its UN vote from ‘no’ to ‘abstention’ on UNRWA affirmation (Jerusalem Post)

Demings (R-FL) 11/10: Tweet – “It’s been 48 days since we passed Iron Dome funding to help keep Israeli civilians safe from terrorist rocket attacks. The Senate has yet to act. On Monday I visited C4 Advanced Tactical Systems here in Orlando, which creates jobs here in Florida while helping to keep us safe.”

Fleischmann (R-TN) 11/9: Tweet – “Jerusalem is, and always will be, the undivided capital of Israel. I urge President Biden to follow US policy that recognizes Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and reject the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to divide Jerusalem. Thank you, @RepLeeZeldin, for leading this letter.”

Cline (R-VA) 11/9: Tweet – “This Administration is attempting to undercut the United States’ relationship with our Nation’s closest ally in the Middle East, Israel. By opening a consulate general in Jerusalem for Palestinian use President Biden is directly contradicting the wishes of Prime Minister Bennett.” Linked to Zeldin-led letter (previously covered in the Round-Up)

Scott (R-FL) 11/8: Tweet – “Democrats and @CNN want to focus on attacking Trump. The more they focus on Trump the more Republicans win. .@JoeBiden is NOT supporting Israel. NOT standing up to China. NOT fighting for good jobs and lower costs. Voters are rejecting the Dems’ agenda.” With video clip from CNN appearance.

Levin (D-MI-9) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “I don’t care how many times he does it. The idea of a president or ex-president spewing antisemitism about Israel controlling Congress is beyond the pale – and something we can never “get used to.” Link to www.salon.com”

Cruz (R-TX) 11/10/2021: Tweet – “Utterly disgraceful, though entirely in line with the reflexive antipathy that Biden-Harris officials have towards Israel. Link to quoted tweet” re UNGA vote

Rose (R-TN-6) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “Israel is our partner in defeating terrorism. If we abandon them, we are allowing terrorism to grow unchecked. We must always #StandWithIsrael.”

Malinowski (D-NJ-7) 11/08/2021: Twitter thread – “NSO’s entity listing by @SecRaimondo signals that our government is ready to take action to stop US exporters & investors from engaging with such companies. Tom, @RepKatiePorter, @JoaquinCastrotx & @RepAnnaEshoo issued a statement following this victory: Link to malinowski.house.gov The lawmakers simultaneously sent two letters to @SecRaimondo & @SecBlinken urging further action following the entity listings. Link to photo The group called for the entity listing in a July statement on NSO Group’s Pegasus Spyware. Read that statement below. Link to malinowski.house.gov”

Omar (D-MN-5) 11/08/2021: Retweet of @BtSIsrael – “BREAKING: @washingtonpost investigation reveals IDF rollout of “Blue Wolf” — highly invasive surveillance technology to record the personal data and keep track of Palestinians living in the West Bank. This invasion of privacy is on a whole new level. Link to www.washingtonpost.com”

Scott (R-FL) 11/08/2021: Tweet – “Democrats and @CNN want to focus on attacking Trump. The more they focus on Trump the more Republicans win. .@JoeBiden is NOT supporting Israel. NOT standing up to China. NOT fighting for good jobs and lower costs. Voters are rejecting the Dems’ agenda. Link to video”

Hagerty (R-TN) 11/07/2021: Tweet – “Pleased to have my colleagues in the House join me in working to block the Biden Administration’s inflammatory plan to reopen a U.S. consulate for the Palestinians that divides Jerusalem, subverting the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. Link to www.breitbart.com”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 11/07/2021: Retweet of @RJC – “VP @Mike_Pence: Jerusalem is the eternal, undivided capital of Israel – “that is non-negotiable.” #RJCinVegas”

Cruz (R-TX) 11/06/2021: Retweet of @David42716938 – “Ted Cruz Slams the Democrats for Defending Hamas – @IsraelVideos Link to www.israelunwired.com”

Klobuchar (D-MN) 11/07/2021: Tweet – “Congratulations to my friend Tom Nides, who the Senate confirmed as our nation’s next ambassador to Israel! I know he will make all Minnesotans proud and serve our country with distinction. Link to www.klobuchar.senate.gov”

Levin (D-MI-9) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “I welcome the confirmation of Tom Nides as the new U.S. Ambassador to Israel. I look forward to working with him to advance peace, justice and the realization of human rights for all Israelis and Palestinians.”

Levin (D-MI-9) 11/05/2021: Twitter thread – “We must question the severe designation of Palestinian civil society groups as “terrorist organizations” by Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz. If there is evidence, I would certainly like to see it. Link to quoted tweet These organizations do vital work of highlighting human rights violations by the Israeli government, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. A key part of my Two-State Solution Act is elevating and strengthening civil society in Israel and Palestine, critical to promoting human rights and rule of law in the occupied territories. This move puts a peaceful solution further out of reach.”

Long (R-MO-7) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “@mbrooksrjc @RJC Link to quoted tweet”

Pelosi (D-CA-12) 11/05/2021: Retweet of @AmerIndependent – “Economy adds more than 5.5 million jobs in 9 months under Biden by @jeisrael Link to americanindependent.com”

Tlaib (D-MI-13) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “Our country must stop enabling the killing of children. Link to quoted tweet”

Cassidy (R-LA) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “The Jewish State of Israel is one of our greatest allies. The Biden administration must not threaten this relationship with a plan that is in clear conflict with U.S. law, which states Jerusalem should not be divided. Link to www.brproud.com”

Saudi Arabia/Yemen

Khanna (D-CA-17) 11/11/2021: Retweet of @HassanElTayyab – “Congress should also work to retain the @RoKhanna-@BernieSanders Yemen #NDAA amendment to end all US complicity in the Saudi war on Yemen and intro a Yemen WPR. After 7 years of US support for the Saudi war/blockade & millions on the edge of famine, #YemenCantWait any longer!”

Emmer (R-MN-6) 11/11/2021: Tweet – “Monitoring the breach at the American Embassy in Yemen as it develops. I’m praying for a quick & peaceful resolution for any Americans and allies involved.”

Malinowski (D-NJ) 11/10: Representatives Malinowski, McGovern, Schiff, Jacobs, Allred, Castro and Kim Respond to New Weapons Sales to Saudi Arabia

Malinowski (D-NJ-7) 11/10/2021: Twitter thread – “While the admin has suspended offensive weapons sales to @modgovksa, it continues to provide logistical support and spare parts that are permitting an escalation of offensive #Saudi Air Force operations in #Yemen. That needs to stop. Tom, @RepMcGovern, @RepAdamSchiff, @RepSaraJacobs, @RepColinAllred, @JoaquinCastrotx & @RepAndyKimNJ issued the below statement on the State Department’s notification to Congress of major weapons sales to the Saudi Air Force. Link to malinowski.house.gov”

Omar (D-MN-5) 11/10/2021: Tweet – “Agree. Selling weapons to Saudi Arabia while they continue to slaughter Yemenis is unacceptable. If we truly believe in putting human rights at the center of our foreign policy we would not be arming human rights abusers. Working on legislation to stop this sale this week. Link to quoted tweet”

Omar (D-MN-5) 11/09/2021: Retweet of @AkbarSAhmed – “NEW: 9 months into the Biden era, the Khashoggi file is “lost” & Saudi Arabia is getting > $1 billion in new weapons. Here’s the story of how Biden betrayed Democrats in Congress & fumbled the best chance for accountability for MBS’s human rights abuses. Link to www.huffpost.com   Link to photo”

Khanna (D-CA-17) 11/06/2021: Tweet – “FARA records helped expose lobbying efforts by the Saudis aimed at defeating my Yemen War Powers Resolution. It’s one of many reasons why we need to make it easier for Americans to easily access these records.”

Davis (R-IL-13) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “What’s the Biden plan to lower oil and gas prices? Beg Russia and Saudi Arabia to increase output. We have an abundance of domestic energy sources we could tap, but the President is scared of the far-left environmentalists in his party, so he’s begging foreign govts. for help. Link to quoted tweet”

Doggett (D-TX-35) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “I am thankful for the courage and the bravery—in sounding the alarm—by Dr. Saad Aljabri, a former Saudi intelligence official whose life is under constant threat by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. You can watch his 60 Minutes interview here: Link to www.youtube.com”

Iran

Tenney (R-NY-22) 11/11/2021: Tweet – “This is exactly why I called on the Biden Administration to reverse its disastrous decision to remove the #Houthis from the U.S. list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations. With #Iran’s support, the Houthis continue to kill, kidnap, & terrorize. We must re-designate them as an FTO. Link to quoted tweet”

Boebert (R-CO-3) 11/10/2021: Tweet – “If it’s a day ending in “Y”, Honorary Iranian Mullah John Kerry is thinking of a way to kill American jobs. Link to quoted tweet”

Ernst (R-IA) 11/10/2021: Tweet – “Instead of appeasing the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism by rejoining the failed Iran Nuclear Deal, the Biden Administration needs to hold the murderous Iranian regime accountable. Link to www.reuters.com”

Deutch (D-FL-22) 11/09/2021: Twitter thread – “More U.S. nationals are currently held hostage by foreign gov’ts than by terrorist and militant groups. 40+ Americans right now are unlawfully detained abroad. In my district, the Levinson family is still fighting to #BringBobHome from unlawful detention in Iran, after 14+ yrs. Link to photo Take a moment today, and please read. @jrezaian and everyone at @PostOpinions: thank you for shedding light on this tragedy. #BringThemHome Link to www.washingtonpost.com”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “Very disappointing to see @StateDeptSpox do everything he can to avoid implicating #Iran in the recent assassination attempt of Iraq’s leader. A policy of appeasing Iran, even in the face of egregious attacks, to keep failed negotiations going is a mistake. Link to quoted tweet”

Tenney (R-NY-22) 11/08/2021: Tweet – “Iran-backed militias threatened Iraq’s leader, and days later his home was attacked by drones. The Biden Administration should clarify whether #Iran played a role in the attacks. We shouldn’t be negotiating with a regime that’s actively working to assassinate foreign leaders.”

Joyce (R-PA-13) 11/08/2021: Tweet – “The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has released a report warning that the cost of heating oil is expected to rise approximately 43% compared to last year. The Biden Administration cannot rely on OPEC nations like Iran, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia for our energy needs. Link to photo”

Menendez (D-NJ) 11/07/2021: Tweet – “I strongly condemn the reported drone attack last night on Iraqi Prime Minister @MAKadhimi’s residence and urge a rapid and transparent investigation so the perpetrators can be brought to justice. The United States’ commitment to Iraq’s stability and security is ironclad. Link to quoted tweet”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 11/07/2021: Twitter thread – “We are seeing drone attacks routinely now in the Middle East. I’ve been working with the @HASCRepublicans & @HASCDemocrats to ensure our military will field better capabilities to counter. These drone attacks will increase and proliferate all over the world. We need to prepare. Link to quoted tweet   Link to reply @rogo000 @HASCRepublicans @HASCDemocrats I agree with you here. That is a disaster.”

Bacon (R-NE-2) 11/07/2021: Retweet of @JGreenblattADL – “Horrifying yet not surprising that Iran sentenced two gay men to be executed on charges of adultery – yet another example of how the regime systematically oppresses vulnerable minority groups: Link to www.barrons.com”

Gallego (D-AZ-7) 11/07/2021: Tweet – “If a Democrat had said something this stupid we would never even allowed to speak in NATSec circles. Link to quoted tweet”

Babin (R-TX-36) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “Even as Iran-supported drones attack U.S. troops, Biden keeps doubling down on the foolish Iran Nuclear Deal. This sends a bad signal to our allies, disrespects our servicemembers, and empowers our enemies. See what I’m doing to stop it  Link to photo”

Steil (R-WI-1) 11/05/2021: Retweet of @Kredo0 – “LATEST: Biden Pressed To Abandon Nuclear Talks After Iran Strikes US Military Outpost — Coalition of GOP lawmakers led by ⁦@RepBryanSteil⁩ say Biden admin’s singular focus on nuke deal endangers American troops Link to freebeacon.com”

Cruz (R-TX) 11/05/2021: Retweet of @Kredo0 – “.@SenTedCruz: “A future GOP president will tear up any Iran deal that isn’t a treaty” Link to freebeacon.com   Link to quoted tweet”

Egypt

Hill (R-AR-2) 11/10/2021: Tweet – “My statement on @USCIRF’s recent report on religious freedom in Egypt. While I am pleased to see that religiously motivated violence has declined, discrimination against Christians and other religious minorities is still predominant in society. Link to photo” [statement also on his website, here]

Granger (R-TX-12) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “Enjoyed speaking with Egyptian Foreign Minister Shoukry today. Egypt is an important US partner and plays a key role in regional stability. We discussed topics including US investment in Egypt, security threats in Africa and the Middle East, and regional cooperation.”

Beyer (D-VA-8) 11/07/2021: Tweet – “Egyptian human rights activist Ramy Shaath has now been imprisoned for 28 months without formal charges or a trial. This is a gross injustice perpetrated by the Sisi regime, and I continue to call for his immediate release. #FreeRamyShaath”

Khanna (D-CA-17) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “As of today, @amnestyusa prisoner of conscience Ramy Shaath has been held in illegal pretrial detention, 4 months beyond Egypt’s 2 year pretrial detention limit. I’m still waiting to hear from the @EgyptEmbassyUSA when he will be released.”

McCollum (D-MN-4) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “Human rights are not negotiable. It’s time to #FreeRamySaath from unjust Egyptian pretrial detention, which has dragged on for 28 months. I echo calls for Ramy’s immediate release.”

Leahy (D-VT) 11/05/2021: Tweets – “Egyptian human rights defender @FreeRamyShaath has spent 28 months in prison without charge. One can only conclude that Egyptian authorities have no lawful basis for detaining him. He should be released immediately. It is the responsibility of  governments to protect human rights defenders, not to persecute them. Ramy Shaath has not even been charged, not to mention tried, despite more than two years behind bars. Egypt must release him and other prisoners of conscience.”

Cruz (R-TX) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “The Biden admin is withholding assistance Egypt would use for counterterrorism & demanding they release prisoners (they won’t tell us who!). Meanwhile Senate Dems are trying to get a stone cold Muslim Brotherhood propagandist freed. It’s crazy & dangerous. Link to amgreatness.com”

Cruz (R-TX) 11/06/2021: Retweet of @AIIAmericanGirI – “Ted Cruz, top Dem have heated exchange over Biden’s Egypt policy Link to www.foxnews.com @FoxNews”

Jordan

Burchett (R-TN-2) 11/11/2021: Tweet – “King Abdullah is a bad ass. Link to quoted tweet”

Syria

McCaul (R-TX-10) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “LR @RepMcCaul “I agree with @SenateForeign. As we’ve said before, there can be no business as usual while the murderous Assad remains in power.” Link to quoted tweet”

Risch (R-ID) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “It is shameful that a growing number of countries are open to normalizing relations w/ #Assad. The #UAE and others that are ignoring the ongoing violence against #Syrian civilians should work towards implementing #UNSCR2254 before taking any further steps toward normalization.”

Hagerty (R-TN) 11/06/2021: Twitter thread – “While Iran steps up attacks, Biden still hopes to give the mullahs billions in sanctions relief & revive the failed Iran nuclear deal. Biden’s response to Iran’s aggression should be to end the farce of the nuclear talks & go back to a maximum pressure approach without delay. Link to quoted tweet Tonight in Baghdad, Iran-backed militias attacked Iraq’s Prime Minister in an apparent assassination attempt. PM Kadhimi thankfully survived w/minor injuries, but it’s a dramatic escalation by an Iranian regime emboldened by 10 mos of Biden’s appeasement.Link to apnews.com Tonight’s attack in Baghdad comes just 15 days after an Iranian-directed attack on US troops in Syria. The IRGC & their proxy militias believe they can step up attacks against us and our allies because they perceive Biden is weak.Link to www.al-monitor.com”

Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain

Khanna (D-CA) 11/12: Tweet – “Sharaka, which means ‘Partnership’ in Arabic, is an organization with the mission to realize the potential of the Abraham Accords by building bonds between young Israeli and Gulf leaders in order to strengthen peace, trust, and cooperation. Thank you to Israeli Consul General Shlomi Kofman for arranging my conversation with this diverse group of young leaders.” [with pic of Khanna with said young leaders]  Also see: tweet from Sharaka – “Glad to meet with Congressman @RoKhanna to discuss the important work of Sharaka and the new peaceful vision of the Middle East, and the US’ important role in advancing these new relationships. Thanks @IsraelinSF @ShlomiKofman for arranging”

Gillibrand (D-NY) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “It was a privilege to meet with Afghan allies and refugees in Qatar today, and I will keep fighting to fulfill our promises to ensure their safety. Link to photo”

Markey (D-MA) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “I was honored to meet with and hear the stories of the brave Afghan people who have been evacuated by US forces to Qatar and are readying for resettlement. Thank you to the compassionate and dedicated aid workers and servicemembers who are working so very hard to keep them safe. Link to photo”

Markey (D-MA) 11/09/2021: Tweet – “Earlier today I visited with Afghan refugees, servicemembers, and those providing critical aid at Camp As Sayliyah in Qatar. It is our responsibility as a nation to care for and protect the Afghan people, including those who still need to get out. Link to video”

Braun (R-IN) 11/08/2021: Tweet – “I co-sponsored this resolution expressing appreciation for Qatar’s help evacuating allies that President Biden left in Afghanistan. I know of one family with connections to Indiana that took refuge in Qatar, and I appreciate their willingness to assist. Link to www.congress.gov”

Tuberville (R-AL) 11/08/2021: Tweet – “Welcome home to the 908th Airlift Wing out of Maxwell AFB, back from serving in Kuwait – the largest deployment in the wing’s history. Link to photo”

Rubio (R-FL) 11/05/2021: Tweet – “Today is the 121st Day of Dr. #AlSingace’s hunger strike for ill treatment in prison. He has been detained since 2011 for peacefully protesting in support of human rights and democracy in #Bahrain. Sen. Rubio calls for his immediate release. #ExpressionNOToppression Link to photo”

Media Reports

Jewish Insider 11/12:     Is Young Kim the future of the GOP? [“During the May conflict between Israel and Hamas, Kim remained adamant ‘that Israel has the right to defend itself against the rockets fired by Hamas targeting our very good friends Israeli civilians’” she said, summarizing public statements she made at the time. ‘Israel also has a responsibility to work to protect the people of Palestine and ensure that they do not live in fear of violence,’ she added. ‘I called for both sides working together to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible and return to negotiating a peaceful settlement where respect, forgiveness and mutual understanding are prioritized.’”]

Jewish Insider 11/10: A North Carolina congressional candidate has a long history of anti-Israel activism

Jewish Insider 11/11: Rep. Jake Auchincloss warns of ‘casual mainstreaming of antisemitism’

Times of Israel 11/11: Daily Briefing Nov. 11 – Jewish Republicans debate BDS and Trump 

JTA 11/11: Josh Mandel is running for Senate again — this time as a far-right leader who promotes ‘Judeo-Christian’ values

Mosaic 11/9: What a Florida Congressional Race Suggests about the Future of the Anti-Israel Movement in the Democratic Party

Jewish News Syndicate 11/8: Republican hopefuls tout pro-Israel credentials, take shots at Democrats at RJC gathering

Times of Israel 11/7: GOP senator: Flipping House and Senate will let Republicans pass anti-BDS laws

Breitbart 11/7: Sen. Rick Scott: Expect Anti-BDS Laws If Republicans Retake Congress

Jewish Insider 11/7: At RJC, a glimpse of a party trying to capitalize on recent gains

Free Beacon 11/5: Shalala Rescinds Donation to Anti-Israel Dem House Candidate