I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
Congress Ramps Up Pressure on UN Over Israel. On October 22, Sen. Jim Risch (R-ID) led 27 Republicans in introducing a bill to cut off US funding to UN agencies that expel, downgrade, suspend, or restrict the participation of Israel. On October 25, a bipartisan group of more than 100 House lawmakers, led by Mike Lawler (R-NY), wrote to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, denouncing a recent effort by the Palestinian Authority to demand an end to occupation. The representatives asserted that any damage to Israel’s status or standing at the General Assembly will result in a corresponding downgrade of US support for the United Nations.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
Bipartisan Group of Lawmakers Travel to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Mike Rogers (R-AL), and Seth Moulton (D-MA) traveled to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan the week of October 14 to discuss regional security issues. They met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, and Saudi officials.
Democrats Push Biden to Address Israel’s Treatment of Journalists. In an October 11 letter, 65 House Democrats called on President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to push Israel to allow journalists to access Gaza. On October 22, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) led a bicameral Democratic letter to President Biden demanding that the administration open an independent investigation into an October 2023 Israeli attack on a group of journalists, including a US citizen, reporting from southern Lebanon.
House Republicans for Sanctions and Pressure on Lebanese Leadership. On October 18, Reps. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Darrell Issa (R-CA), co-chairs of the US-Lebanon Friendship Caucus, urged President Biden, Secretary Blinken, and Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen to increase direct diplomatic pressure on Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri and other Lebanese officials if they do not hold a parliamentary session to elect a new president. The letter asks for a revitalized US approach toward Lebanon, including renewed diplomatic efforts and increased humanitarian aid, economic support, and support for the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Bipartisan Letter Criticizes Erdoğan’s Comments on Israel. On October 23, a bipartisan group of 24 lawmakers, led by Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), wrote to Secretary Blinken to urge the Biden administration to condemn Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his purported support of terrorist regimes and criticism of Israel.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
Administration Seeking Ceasefire in Lebanon. On October 21, White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby remarked that the administration is “continu[ing] to engage in intensive diplomacy to see what can be done to try to find a path to a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.”
Harris Dances Around Gaza Questions at Town Hall. At an October 23 town hall with CNN, Vice President Kamala Harris called the loss of civilian life in Gaza “unconscionable” but did not offer any details on how she would pressure Israel to alter its conduct of the war.
Biden, Harris Warn Iran Not to Respond to Israeli Missile Attack. On October 26, responding to Israel’s October 25 attack on military targets in Iran, President Biden told reporters that he “hope[s] this is the end.” In an interview with CBS, Vice President Harris added that “it would be a mistake” for Iran to respond militarily. Harris affirmed that the administration is “prepared to defend Israel, as we have before…but the critical point is that there must be a de-escalation in the region.”
2) Department of State
Blinken Speaks with UAE Foreign Minister. On October 21, Secretary Blinken spoke with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the situations in Gaza and Lebanon and thanked the UAE for its role in providing humanitarian aid. The officials met on October 25, continuing their discussion while also talking about AI and technology collaboration.
Blinken Meets with Israeli Officials. On October 22, Secretary Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog. Blinken emphasized the importance of ending the war in Gaza, increasing humanitarian assistance, and building toward a post-conflict period. On Lebanon, Blinken discussed efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution along the Blue Line that includes the implementation of UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701. Speaking to reporters on October 23, Blinken declared that “Israel has achieved most of its strategic objectives when it comes to Gaza” and reiterated that the United States does not support an Israeli reoccupation of the territory. On access for Gaza humanitarian assistance, Blinken remarked that Israel has made progress but that “it’s not enough.” Blinken also outlined the Biden administration’s interest in advancing the prospect of normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Secretary Blinken Meets with Saudi Crown Prince. On October 23, Secretary Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in Riyadh to discuss regional security, resolving the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and advancing a civilian-led political transition in Sudan. Blinken expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting peace and stability in the region.
Secretary Blinken Speaks with Jordanian Foreign Minister. On October 23, Secretary Blinken spoke with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi to discuss the situation in Gaza and Lebanon. Blinken underscored the importance of securing the release of hostages in Gaza, delivering aid to civilians there, and implementing UNSC Resolution 1701 in Lebanon. He thanked Jordan for facilitating emergency relief to Palestinians. The officials met on October 25 and reaffirmed the urgency of increasing humanitarian aid for Gaza.
Blinken Meets with Qatari Officials. On October 24, Secretary Blinken met with Qatari Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha. The officials discussed renewing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza, in addition to planning for post-war governance, security, and reconstruction. They also reviewed the situation in Lebanon, exchanging views on how to reach a diplomatic solution and make political progress to stabilize the country. Blinken applauded Qatar’s contributions to humanitarian efforts in both conflicts and expressed appreciation for its role as a mediator.
Blinken Speaks with Turkish Foreign Minister. On October 24, Secretary Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The officials discussed efforts to reach a diplomatic solution in Lebanon, end the war in Gaza, and achieve “a just and durable peace” in the South Caucasus. Blinken expressed condolences for the October 23 terrorist attack in Ankara.
Department Approves Possible Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia. On October 24, the Department of State approved a possible foreign military sale to Saudi Arabia for missiles and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $440 million.
Blinken Announces $135 Million in Humanitarian Aid for Middle East. On October 24, Secretary Blinken announced that the United States is providing an additional $135 million in humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza, in the West Bank, and elsewhere in the region.
Blinken Speaks with Lebanese Prime Minister. On October 25, Secretary Blinken spoke with Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Blinken emphasized US commitment to implementing UNSC Resolution 1701 and allowing the return of displaced Israelis and Lebanese to both sides of the Blue Line. He underscored US support for the Lebanese government and for efforts to fill the presidential vacancy. Blinken also conveyed the importance of ensuring the security of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Blinken Speaks with Egyptian Foreign Minister. On October 26, Secretary Blinken spoke with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty about the urgency of ending the war in Gaza, efforts to promote a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon, and the need to address the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
3) Department of Defense
US Forces Participate in Operations in Iraq. On October 23, CENTCOM announced that the Iraqi Security Forces, enabled by Combined Joint Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve, conducted strikes and raids on senior leaders and operatives of the so-called Islamic State (IS). On October 24, US forces participated in an Iraqi-led operation against IS.
Secretary Austin Says No Evidence Yet That Hezbollah is Embedded Under Hospitals. On October 23, Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III told reporters that the United States has not seen evidence that Hezbollah has a major bunker underneath Al-Sahel Hospital in southern Beirut, as Israel has claimed, and reiterated that Israel must protect civilians in the battlespace.
Secretary Austin Speaks with Israeli Defense Minister. On October 23, Secretary Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Gallant about Israel’s operations in Lebanon and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Austin expressed condolences for the Israeli Defense Forces commander killed in northern Gaza and reaffirmed US commitment to Israel. He welcomed the movement of humanitarian aid into Gaza through Erez crossing and urged Israel to work toward the release of hostages and a ceasefire. Austin also stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of Lebanese and UNIFIL forces. Austin and Gallant spoke again on October 25 and 26 to review Israel’s strikes on military targets in Iran and to reaffirm US support of Israel’s security.
United States and Egypt Hold Military Cooperation Committee. On October 23-24, the United States and Egypt held the 35th annual US-Egypt Military Cooperation Committee meeting. US and Egyptian officials discussed enhancing security cooperation, building on critical security assistance programs, and shared regional concerns, particularly regarding Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and Red Sea security.
4) Department of the Treasury
Deputy Secretary Speaks with PA Prime Minister. On October 21, Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo spoke with Palestinian Authority (PA) Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa about West Bank economic stability. They reviewed the PA’s efforts to crack down on money laundering and terrorism financing. They also discussed the importance of correspondent banking relationships between Israeli and Palestinian banks.
Secretary Yellen Meets with Saudi Finance Minister. On October 23, Secretary of the Treasury Yellen met with Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan. They discussed Saudi economic reforms and development plans and efforts to counter the financing of terrorism. Both officials reaffirmed their commitment to continued US-Saudi collaboration.
Treasury Sanctions SAF Leader. On October 24, the Office of Financial Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Mirghani Idris Suleiman, a weapons procurement director for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and director of Defense Industries System, which was sanctioned by OFAC last year.
