I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
House Bills Continue Pressure on Pro-Palestine Protesters. On July 2, Rep. A. Drew Ferguson (R-GA) introduced H.R.8913 with eight Republican co-sponsors. Ferguson’s press release claims that “malign foreign influence, including some students present in the United States on temporary student visas, has directly contributed to the rise in antisemitic behavior on college campuses,” and states that the proposed bill would reduce tax benefits to certain higher education institutions hosting large numbers of foreign students.
Also on July 2, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) introduced H.R.8914, which would levy fines on tax-exempt colleges and universities that “violate students’ civil rights under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act…for allowing antisemitic students to wreak havoc on their campuses.” The bill also would require the Internal Revenue Service to review a school’s tax-exempt status after three Title VI civil rights violations.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
Speaker Johnson Pushes for Release of American Hostages. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) wrote to President Joe Biden on June 26, expressing concern that the administration “is not taking sufficient steps” to secure the release of American hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. Johnson also admonished Biden for his “failure to resolutely support Israel in its military objectives.”
Knesset-House Parliamentary Friendship Group Holds Inaugural Meeting. On July 2, the Knesset-House Parliamentary Friendship Group held its inaugural meeting in Jerusalem, chaired by Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN).
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
President Biden Speaks with Netanyahu. On July 4, President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the White House readout, the leaders discussed ongoing (and reportedly promising) efforts to finalize a ceasefire/hostage release deal and Hamas’s recent response to the proposed deal. Biden welcomed Netanyahu’s decision to authorize Israeli negotiators to engage with US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators to finalize the deal.
2) Department of State
Blinken Reiterates Support for Ceasefire Proposal. Speaking at a Brookings Institution event on July 1, Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented that the ceasefire proposal announced by President Biden on May 31 is “achievable, doable, which doesn’t mean it will be achieved, doesn’t mean it will be done, but it can be and it should be.” Blinken stated that a future Gaza with “an Israeli occupation; Hamas perpetuating its leadership; or chaos, anarchy, lawlessness” is “unacceptable.” Blinken also emphasized the importance of de-escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, remarking that “in our judgment none of the main actors actually want a war.”
Yemen Envoy Heads to Saudi Arabia and Oman. A June 29 Department of State media note announced that Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking traveled to Saudi Arabia and Oman last week to continue discussions on recent Houthi detentions of UN, diplomatic, and international NGO staff and efforts to thwart Houthi threats to maritime security.
Blinken Speaks with Regional Foreign Ministers. On July 2 and 3, Secretary Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. According to Department readouts, the conversations focused on ceasefire efforts and post-conflict planning for Gaza; barriers to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip; de-escalation between Israel and Hezbollah; Houthi threats to aid workers and to maritime security; and the crisis in Sudan.
Department Calls Iran Elections “Not Free.” On July 1, Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel commented on the first round of presidential elections in Iran, held on June 28, was “not free and fair, and we have no expectation that these elections and whatever the outcome might be will lead to a fundamental change in Iran’s direction or lead the Iranian regime to offer more respect for human rights and more dignity for its citizens.”
Department Reiterates That Israel’s Settlement Expansion is “Inconsistent with International Law.” On July 2, Spokesperson Patel answered questions regarding Israel’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank, telling reporters that “we view the expansion of settlements as – and outposts as inconsistent with international law.” Patel added, “We view these as something that only serves to weaken Israel’s security. Unilateral actions like settlement expansion and legalization of outposts, they are detrimental to a two-state solution.” Pressed about continued US support for an Israeli government that is empowering settlers, Patel stated that the US security relationship with Israel is “robust” but that the administration has in place “accountability measures” to ensure that Israel is using US defense articles responsibly.
3) Department of Defense
Humanitarian Pier Removed, Date of Reinstallation Unclear. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh announced on June 28 that CENTCOM had removed the temporary humanitarian pier off the Gaza coast due to high sea conditions. Singh did not offer a date for the reinstallation of the pier.
Secretary Austin Speaks with Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister. On July 3, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The officials discussed regional security issues including Houthi threats to maritime security and US security cooperation with Bahrain.
4) United States Agency for International Development
Administrator Power Calls for Ceasefire in Sudan, Warns of Possible Famine. In a statement issued on June 28, USAID Administrator Samantha Power reiterated her call for the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces to reach a ceasefire agreement. Citing a recent analysis by the multi-partner initiative the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), Power warned that “the hunger crisis in Sudan is historically dire, with indications that Famine may already be underway.”
