Last week saw the arrival of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington to meet with members of Congress and other top US officials. Netanyahu also met with former President Donald Trump at Mar-a- Lago. In an address to a joint session of Congress, Netanyahu praised Israel’s prosecution of the war in Gaza, condemned US protestors, warned against threats posed by Iran, and thanked President Joe Biden for his continued support for Israel.
The prime minister’s propagandistic speech elicited mixed reviews from US lawmakers. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) shared that he was “deeply frustrated that Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to Congress offered little to explain what he will do to end the war and the suffering.” Meeks added that “the Prime Minister refuses to implement President Biden’s widely accepted proposal that would lead to a ceasefire, bring the hostages home, and allow for a new surge of humanitarian assistance into Gaza.” Other prominent Democrats shared his sentiments, including Reps. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY). Almost half of congressional Democrats skipped the speech altogether. In contrast, Republicans broadly celebrated Netanyahu’s visit, with Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Jim Risch’s (R-ID) comments setting the tone for the party’s support. “Our Israeli partners deserve unwavering American support as they continue the necessary work to bring all the hostages home, dismantle Hamas, and counter an increasingly aggressive Iranian regime,” Risch said.
Despite the partisan split, there was full bipartisan accordance in criticizing the protests that took place around the Capitol as Netanyahu was addressing Congress. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) decried a select group of protesters for “exalting” Hamas, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) stated that “it is unacceptable to deface public property, desecrate the American flag, threaten Jews with violence, or promote terrorist organizations like Hamas.” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) urged the Department of Justice to pursue maximum sentences for those involved in the defacing of public property, and in an X.com post, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) referred to protestors as a “terrorist mob.” Vice President Harris echoed the senators’ comments and condemned “any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews.”
Following the controversial address, Netanyahu met with Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and other top US officials on July 25. Biden and Netanyahu discussed Israel’s military operation in Gaza and the need to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. The president reassured Netanyahu of his “ironclad commitment to Israel’s security” but reiterated his concern for humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Harris’s meeting with Netanyahu drew more attention than his sit-down with Biden did. In a televised statement after the meeting, Harris highlighted her support for Israel’s security but declared that “it is time for this war to end.” Harris spoke strongly against the devastation caused by Israel’s war. She said, “The images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing to safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering. I will not be silent.”
Also Happening in Washington Last Week…
I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
Senate Bill Seeks Review of CSIPA. On July 22, Sen. Carol Miller (R-WV) introduced H.R.9086. The bill would require a study on the benefits of the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (CSIPA), a cooperative framework between the United States and Bahrain, and how to encourage other countries to join.
House and Senate Bills Target Student Protesters. On July 23, Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) introduced H.R.9102 to prohibit campus protesters “convicted of hate crimes” from enjoying loan forgiveness. Similarly, on July 24, Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced a bill requiring the Department of Education to investigate civil rights complaints on or after October 7 and an increase in monitoring mechanisms on campuses. Also on July 24, companion bills S.4756 and H.R.9117 bills were introduced to terminate visa and require deportation of a non-citizen convicted of a criminal offense during a protest. On July 25, Rep. Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY) introduced H.R.9158 to require universities to report to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when a student holding a J-1 or F-1 nonimmigrant visa has participated in activity in support of a foreign terrorist organization. According to press releases accompanying each of the bills, they are all specifically geared to pro-Palestine protests.
Sen. Graham Introduces “Tariffs for Terrorists Act.” On July 24, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced S.4761, a bill to impose tariffs on countries that purchase crude oil or petroleum products from Iran.
House Bill Blocks Palestinian Refugees. On July 24, Rep. Jodey Arrington (R-TX) introduced H.R.9115, a bill to “prohibit the Department of Defense from transporting Palestinian refugees to the United States.”
House Resolution Condemns ICC Action Against Israel. On July 24, Rep. Barry Moore (R-AL) introduced H.Res.1383. The resolution condemns the International Criminal Court’s request to issue arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
Foreign Operations Bill Approved by Senate Appropriations. On July 25, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2025 State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act. The legislation provides $61.6 billion in total funding for the Department of State, USAID, and other international agencies and programs, including foreign military financing for governments in the MENA region. The bill passed out of committee with an amendment to extend the current ban on US funding for UNRWA.
Senate Republicans Introduce Anti-Boycott Legislation. On July 25, Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) announced that he was introducing legislation (S.4770) alongside 11 colleagues to ban federal contracts for businesses engaged in a boycott of Israel.
Tom Cotton Leads Bill to Sanction Palestinian Leadership. On July 25, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) announced that he, along with Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), introduced legislation (S.4779) to sanction foreign persons and entities that “provide payments to Palestinian terrorists and the families of terrorists as part of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian Authority’s (PA) system of terror compensation.” Companion legislation of the bill was introduced in the form of H.R.9160.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
Members of House Foreign Affairs Committee Condemn Houthi Attack on Tel Aviv. On July 21, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) released a statement condemning the Houthis’ recent drone attack on Tel Aviv and reiterating the need for a “more comprehensive strategy to counter the Houthis’ attacks and abuses.”
Senate Democrats Reiterate Support for Biden’s Gaza Peace Plan. On July 24, Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Mark Warner (D-VA), chairs of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, respectively, wrote to President Biden to express support for a deal that ends the Gaza war, releases hostages, and facilitates a two-state outcome. The letter also restated the senators’ support for Israel’s greater integration in the region.
Sen. Rubio Leads Letter Warning of Gaza Refugees Entering US From Canada. On July 24, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) led a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas on Canada’s decision to increase the number of refugees it will admit on temporary resident visas from Israel and Palestine. The senators expressed concern that Canada’s decision “may allow Gazans with potential terrorist ties to enter the U.S.” and urged the Secretary to “heighten precautions along the U.S.-Canada border.”
Bipartisan Letter Seeks Info on Alleged Iranian Support for Anti-Israel Protests. On July 24, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) led a bipartisan letter to Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, requesting a hearing after her July 9 statement that the Iranian government has promoted and encouraged anti-Israel protests in the United States.
Letters Bring Attention to Humanitarian Situation in Gaza. On July 23, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, urging him and the Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Herzog to expand and expedite delivery of humanitarian and medical aid into Gaza. On July 24, Senate Democrats sent an additional letter to the Israeli Ambassador and to the Ambassador of Egypt to the United States, Motaz Zahran, calling for the evacuation of Palestinian children in Gaza in need of urgent medical care.
3) Hearings and Briefings
House Ways and Means Holds Subcommittee Hearing on Pro-Palestine Protests. On July 23, the House Ways and Means Committee held a subcommittee hearing on the tax-exempt status of organizations purportedly promoting “anti-semitism.”
HFAC Holds Roundtable for Families of US Hostages Held by Hamas. On July 23, the House Foreign Affairs Committee held a roundtable discussion with family members of Americans currently being held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
White House Holds Meeting with Israeli and Palestinian Women Leaders. On July 19, the White House announced that Director of the White House Gender Policy Council Jennifer Klein, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Jon Finer, and US Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women’s Issues Geeta Rao Gupta hosted Israeli and Palestinian women leaders to discuss the needs and rights of women and their participation in peace and security processes.
Biden to “Keep Working to End the War in Gaza” Despite Decision to Withdraw from Election. On July 24, President Biden commented on his decision to not seek reelection in November’s presidential election. Biden maintained that he is “going to keep working to end the war in Gaza, bring home all the hostages, and bring peace and security to the Middle East and end this war.”
White House Directs Deferred Removal for Lebanese Nationals Due to Deteriorating Conditions. On July 26, President Biden directed the deferral of removal for 18 months of certain Lebanese nationals who are present in the United States due to humanitarian conditions and escalating tensions in southern Lebanon.
White House Condemns Hezbollah for Rocket Strike in Majdal Shams. On July 28, the White House reacted to the recent rocket strike that killed 12 children in Majdal Shams in the occupied Golan Heights. Despite Hezbollah denying responsibility, the statement asserts that “this attack was conducted by Lebanese Hezbollah. It was their rocket, and launched from an area they control.” While the statement reiterates US commitment to Israel’s security, Axios reported that US officials warned Israeli leadership against targeting Hezbollah in Beirut in retaliation. Following the incident, a bicameral letter was sent to the White House, demanding that Biden restate the administration’s “unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend its sovereign borders against Hezbollah’s illegal attacks.”
2) Department of State
Secretary Blinken Meets with UN Coordinator for Gaza. On July 22, Secretary Blinken spoke with UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza Sigrid Kaag about Gaza’s humanitarian needs. Blinken reviewed diplomatic efforts to achieve the ceasefire endorsed by the Security Council and emphasized the role of the United Nations in surging humanitarian assistance.
Department Approves $2.8 Billion Weapon Sale to Saudi Arabia. On July 23, the Department of State approved a $2.8 billion Foreign Military Sale to Saudi Arabia.
Department Invites RSF and SAF to Ceasefire Talks. On July 23, Secretary Blinken announced that the State Department has invited the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces to participate in ceasefire talks next month in Switzerland. The talks will include the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations as observers and will focus on reaching a ceasefire, improving humanitarian aid access, and developing a monitoring mechanism for implementation of any agreement.
Secretary Blinken Meets with Yezidi Leaders. On July 23, Secretary Blinken met with Yezidi leaders ahead of the Department’s ten-year commemoration of the so-called Islamic State’s genocide against Yezidis, Christians, and Shia Muslims. Blinken underscored the US “commitment to supporting the ongoing recovery of the communities that most suffered under ISIS” and delivering accountability.
Secretary Blinken Speaks with Qatari Leadership on Gaza. On July 24, Secretary Blinken spoke with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on ceasefire and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
Department Talks Post-Conflict Plans and Public Health Situation in Gaza. On July 25, DoS Spokesperson Matthew Miller remarked that “in the absence of realistic plans for the day after the conflict, you will either have Israel occupying Gaza, which we reject, they have said they don’t want to do; you will have Hamas in charge, which obviously is not in the interest of Israel and clearly is also not in the interest of the region; or you’ll have chaos and anarchy.” Additionally, Miller offered comments on the worsening public health situation, stating that the Department has been working to get more vaccines and sanitary supplies into Gaza. He also described “attacks that the Israeli Government has leveled on UNRWA” as “incredibly unhelpful.”
3) Department of Defense
Pentagon Holds US-Iraq Joint Security Cooperation Dialogue. On July 24, US and Iraqi officials wrapped up the second Join Security Cooperation Dialogue. The discussions addressed topics relating to bilateral defense partnership and shared regional security concerns, including counter ‘Islamic State’ operations, the capability levels of the Iraqi security forces, the protection of US personnel and facilities, and the repatriation of displaced persons and detainees currently in northeast Syria.
CENTCOM Commander Concludes Middle East Trip. On July 24, CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla concluded his July 11-21 trip to the Middle East, which included stops in Israel, Jordan, Syria, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain.
Defense Officials Reiterate Support for Israel, Concern for Regional Security. On July 25, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. C.Q. Brown, Jr. held a joint press briefing. Secretary Austin repeated that US support for Israel will continue. On post-war recovery in Gaza, Gen. Brown stated that the Pentagon has yet to see a detailed plan from Israel on “the day after.” Gen. Brown also highlighted Houthi threats to Israel, asserting that it will take “more than just a military operation” to degrade Houthi capabilities.
4) Department of the Treasury
Treasury Sanctions ISIS Network. On July 23, the Department of the Treasury announced new sanctions on three individuals associated with the expanded activities of the so-called ‘Islamic State’ on the African Continent.
5) United States Agency for International Development
Administrator Power Meets with Moroccan Ambassador. On July 23, USAID Administrator Samantha Power met with the Ambassador of Morocco to the United States Youssef Amrani. They discussed USAID’s local projects in Morocco, the US-Morocco bilateral relationship, and Morocco’s efforts to provide aid for Gaza.
Power Speaks with Saudi Supervisor General of KSRelief. On July 23, Administrator Power spoke with Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief). They discussed collaboration between the United States and Saudi Arabia to address global humanitarian crises, including in Gaza and Sudan.
