I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
New Resolutions in Support of Israel. On October 4, Rep. Russell Fry (R-SC) introduced H.Res.1533, which reaffirms US support for Israel, condemns Hamas, and calls for the return of hostages. On October 7, the entire Senate Republican Conference joined a resolution, led by Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) and Joni Ernst (R-IA), supporting Israel and condemning Iran. On October 8, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) introduced H.Res.1537, which condemns Hamas and calls for the release of hostages.
House Bill Seeks Stronger Cooperation Between United States and Abraham Accords Nations. On October 9, Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve security and military readiness between the United States and nations that signed the Abraham Accords with Israel.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
Senate Banking Committee Republicans Press Federal Reserve on Iran. On October 2, Senate Banking Committee Ranking Member Tim Scott (R-SC) and Sen. Mike Rounds (R-SD) demanded answers from the leaders of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on potential failures to implement anti-money laundering controls regarding Iran. On October 11, Senators Krysten Sinema (I-AZ), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bob Casey (D-PA), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and John Hoeven (R-ND) urged the Biden administration to address the delayed implementation of reporting deadlines and enforcement with regard to US sanctions on Iran’s petroleum trade.
House Democrats Urge Biden Administration to Comply with Leahy Law. On October 4, Reps. Jim McGovern (D-MA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), and Betty McCollum (D-MN) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III about the lack of US enforcement of the Leahy Law in the context of US military aid to Israel.
Bipartisan Senate Delegation Travels to Israel. On October 7, Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) traveled to Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials. Graham presented a plan for an end to the war on Gaza that includes Israeli-Saudi normalization, and expressed support for Israel’s current military operations. Blumenthal also declared his support but warned against escalating the current situation. Both senators mentioned that they would seek supplemental legislation for additional military aid to Israel.
Senate Republicans Push for Investigations of Pro-Palestine Student Group. On October 10, Sens. Tim Scott (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Ted Cruz (R-TX) asked the Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to investigate whether National Students for Justice in Palestine and its chapters should register as foreign agents under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
Harris Says Iran is US’ “Greatest Adversary.” In an October 8 interview on 60 Minutes, Vice President Kamala Harris said that she considers Iran to be the United States’ “greatest adversary,” adding that one of her “highest priorities” if elected president is to ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons. Harris also reiterated her support for a strong US-Israel relationship.
Administration Marks Anniversary of October 7. On October 7, President Joe Biden marked the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. In a statement, Biden reiterated his support for Israel against Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and Iran. He lamented the civilian death toll in Palestine, “a human toll made far worse by terrorists hiding and operating among innocent people,” he added. Additionally, he maintained that his administration continues to work toward a ceasefire in Gaza and a diplomatic solution in Lebanon. In her own statement, Vice President Harris echoed Biden by emphasizing her support for Israel, while noting on Gaza that “it is far past time for a hostage and ceasefire deal to end the suffering of innocent people. And I will always fight for the Palestinian people to be able to realize their right to dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination.” She also called for a “diplomatic solution” to the Israel-Lebanon crisis. Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin joined the White House in issuing statements.
Biden Speaks with Israeli President and Prime Minister. On October 7, President Biden spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the regional situation and ceasefire efforts in Gaza. On October 9, Biden and Vice President Harris spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Biden reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security, emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution in Lebanon and to “minimize harm to civilians” there, but offered support for Israel “to protect its citizens from Hezbollah.” On Gaza, Biden raised the “urgent need to renew diplomacy” to release the hostages and address the humanitarian crisis. On October 11, speaking to reporters, Biden added that Israel should “absolutely” stop strikes against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
White House Issues Notice on Continuation of National Emergency in Relation to Syria. On October 10, the White House issued a notice extending the national emergency in relation to Syria, originally declared in October 2019 by Executive Order 13894, for another year.
2) Department of State
Assistant Secretary for Energy Travels to Turkey. On October 9-10, Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources Geoffrey R. Pyatt traveled to Istanbul to discuss clean energy development and energy security at a conference attended by officials and private sector representatives from Turkey, Albania, North Macedonia, and Romania.
Secretary Blinken Speaks with Egyptian Foreign Minister. On October 7, Secretary Blinken spoke with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty about the need to fill the Lebanese presidential vacancy, humanitarian aid, and support for state institutions in Lebanon. Blinken also thanked Egypt for its efforts in conflict resolution in Gaza and Sudan and raised human rights issues in Egypt.
UN Ambassador Concerned with Gaza and Lebanon Situation. On October 9, at a Security Council briefing on the Middle East situation, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged Israel to ease restrictions on aid deliveries into Gaza and condemned an Israeli legislative proposal that could hinder UNRWA’s operations. On October 10, Thomas-Greenfield expressed concern about Israeli troops’ firing on peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Miller Warns Israel’s Military Action in Lebanon Must Not Resemble Gaza. On October 9, Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that “there should be no kind of military action in Lebanon that looks anything like Gaza and leads to result in anything like Gaza.” Miller stressed that the United States is opposed to an Israeli occupation of Lebanon and reiterated support for UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Miller also emphasized that the Biden administration supports Israel’s operations to degrade Hezbollah infrastructure.
Blinken Addresses Gaza and Lebanon Situations at ASEAN. On October 11, speaking from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, Secretary Blinken commented that he has “real concern about the inadequacy of the assistance that’s getting to [Gaza].” On Lebanon, Blinken reiterated the importance of a diplomatic solution but expressed backing for Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hezbollah.
Blinken Speaks with Lebanese Leaders. On October 11, Secretary Blinken spoke with Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri. Blinken reiterated US support for a diplomatic resolution across the Blue Line, humanitarian concerns, and Lebanon’s political situation.
Blinken and Austin Give Israel 30 Days to Improve Gaza Humanitarian Situation. On October 13, Secretary Blinken and Secretary Austin wrote to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, demanding that Israel improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza over the next 30 days or face consequences regarding the provision of US military aid. The letter calls for Israel to allow for a surge in humanitarian aid and for humanitarian corridors from Jordan to remain operational at full capacity, and to end the isolation of northern Gaza.
3) Department of Defense
Secretary Austin Speaks with Israeli Defense Minister. On October 6, Secretary Austin spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant about US support for Israel and the situations in Gaza and Lebanon. An in-person meeting between the officials scheduled for October 9 was postponed, according to Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh. Austin spoke with Gallant on October 11 about Israel’s operations in Lebanon and emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety of UNIFIL forces and of pursuing a diplomatic pathway “as soon as feasible.” The officials also discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Austin raised these issues again with Gallant during meetings on October 12 and 13.
Secretary Austin Speaks with Saudi Defense Minister. On October 8, Secretary Austin spoke with Saudi Minister of Defense Khalid bin Salman to discuss the US-Saudi defense partnership, particularly against threats from Iran and Iran-backed groups. The officials also discussed efforts to restore stability in Lebanon.
Pentagon Calls Israel Operations in Lebanon Still “Limited.” On October 10, Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters that the Department of Defense continues to assess that Israel’s operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon are “limited in scope.” Ryder noted that US officials have engaged Israeli counterparts about “what’s next in terms of regional security and stability, taking civilian safety into account in terms of planning and operations.”
DoD Deploys Missile Defense System to Israel. On October 13, the Department of Defense announced that Secretary Austin has authorized the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery to Israel, along with an associated crew of US military personnel, to bolster Israel’s air defenses.
4) Department of the Treasury
New Sanctions on Hamas Fundraising Network. On October 7, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced sanctions targeting international financial supporters of Hamas and a Hamas-controlled financial institution in Gaza.
Treasury Sanctions RSF Leader. On October 8, OFAC sanctioned Algoney Hamdan Daglo Musa, the procurement director of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), for his role in atrocities and human rights violations committed by the RSF in Sudan. Musa is the brother of RSF leader Hemedti, whom the Biden administration has not sanctioned directly.
Biden Administration Announces New Sanctions on Iran. On October 11, OFAC expanded sanctions on Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors, designating ten entities in multiple jurisdictions and identifying 17 vessels as blocked property. The Department of State announced concurrent sanctions on six entities engaged in Iranian petroleum trade and identified six vessels as blocked property.
5) United States Agency for International Development
Administrator Power Talks Yemen with UN Human Rights Commissioner. On October 8, USAID Administrator Samantha Power spoke with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk about the status of detained UN, NGO, and diplomatic staff in Yemen, among other international human rights issues.
