I. Legislative Branch
1) Legislation
Bicameral, Bipartisan Bill Targets Iranian Influence. On November 22, Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) introduced the Deterrence Act, which would increase criminal sentences for those who commit certain crimes at the direction of, or in coordination with, a foreign government, in particular Iran.
House Bill Targets BDS Movement. On November 26, Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, introduced H.R.10257, which would prohibit academic institutions that participate in a commercial boycott of Israel from receiving certain federal funds.
2) Personnel and Correspondence
House Letter Expresses Concern with Turkey Relationship with Hamas. On November 21, Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Dan Goldman (D-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and 39 other House members wrote to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines, requesting a classified briefing on the threats to US national security posed by Turkey’s alleged relationship with Hamas.
SFRC Chairman Urges Further Action on Sudan. On November 22, Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, urged Secretary Blinken and Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield to convene a high-level briefing on Sudan at the UN Security Council next month when the United States assumes the Council’s presidency. Cardin called on the Biden administration to propose a roadmap to address the conflict and humanitarian crisis there. On November 26, Cardin joined UK parliament leaders in expressing frustration over the lack of action to address the conflict in Sudan. Their statement called for a unified global response to dismantle barriers to humanitarian aid, for a diplomatic solution to end the conflict, and for accountability for those responsible for atrocities.
Senate Democrats Seek Application of Leahy Law to Israel. On November 26, Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT) and eight other Democratic senators urged Secretary Blinken to apply the Leahy Law to US military aid to Israel. The letter cites the Biden administration’s failure to address the lawmakers’ concerns as outlined in a similar letter in April.
II. Executive Branch
1) White House
Biden Announces Ceasefire in Lebanon. On November 26, President Joe Biden announced that Israel and Lebanon agreed to “a permanent cessation of hostilities” along the Lebanese-Israeli border. As part of the agreement, the Lebanese Armed Forces and the State Security Forces will replace Hezbollah in southern Lebanon over the next 60 days. In this period, Israel is supposed to withdraw its remaining forces from Lebanon. Biden also called for renewed efforts to implement a ceasefire in Gaza.
White House Calls for Syria De-Escalation. On November 30, National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett stated that the Biden administration is monitoring developments in Syria, following rebel fighters’ sudden capture of Aleppo. Savett underscored the importance of de-escalation, protecting civilians and minority groups, and reaching a political settlement consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. He added that the United States remains prepared to defend US personnel and military positions to prevent the resurgence in Syria of the so-called Islamic State.
Sullivan Says Hamas Is “Feeling the Pressure.” In an interview with CBS on December 1, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the recent ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel has meant that “Hamas is feeling the pressure.” Sullivan remarked that Hamas may now be “looking anew at the possibility of getting a ceasefire and hostage deal” and that the Biden administration is working with Israeli, Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian officials to complete such a deal.
2) Department of State
Blinken Speaks with Omani Foreign Minister. On November 22, Secretary Blinken spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi about the Houthi detention of US Embassy Sanaa and international staff and about efforts to reach a resolution in Lebanon and Gaza.
Department Recounts US-Mauritania Energy Security Dialogue. On November 22, the Department of State’s Office of the Spokesperson issued a statement with Mauritania following the second US-Mauritania Energy Security Dialogue. The talks focused on collaboration in the energy sector, Mauritania’s sustainable critical mineral governance, hydrocarbon and renewable energy, and offshore gas development.
United States Issues Joint Statement on Iran IAEA Resolution. On November 23, the United States, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a statement on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors’ adoption of a resolution on Iran. The statement welcomed the resolution, which responds to requests to clarify outstanding issues relating to undeclared nuclear material at multiple locations in Iran, and calls for further cooperation with the IAEA.
G7 Foreign Ministers Outline Regional Security Goals. On November 26, the G7 foreign ministers and the High Representative of the European Union released a joint statement addressing regional security concerns. They reiterated the importance of ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, planning for post-conflict in Gaza, urged Israel to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution. The statement also addressed Iran’s compliance with the IAEA, Red Sea security, and the war in Sudan.
Blinken Speaks with Emirati Foreign Minister. On November 25, Secretary Blinken spoke with Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan about the murder of an Israeli-Moldovan citizen living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed efforts to end the war in Gaza and Gaza’s post-conflict reconstruction.
US Special Envoy for Yemen Travels to Region. On November 24 and 25, US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking traveled to Oman and Saudi Arabia to meet with counterparts to discuss Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and regional security issues. Lenderking also highlighted concern over Houthi detentions of UN, humanitarian, and US Embassy Sanaa staff.
Department Addresses Israel Legal Processes. On November 25, Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated that the Biden administration does not believe that the International Criminal Court has jurisdiction in the matter of Israel’s conduct in Gaza. During the same press briefing, Miller addressed the Israeli government’s recent announcement to end administrative detentions to extremist settlers. Miller called the decision a “rolling back of one of the limited tools that was effectively being used by the Israeli Government to rein in this illegal activity.”
Blinken Speaks with Turkish Foreign Minister on Syria Situation. On December 1, Secretary Blinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan about the situation in Syria. The officials discussed the need for de-escalation and the protection of civilians and infrastructure. They also addressed humanitarian and ceasefire efforts in Gaza.
3) Department of Defense
Austin Speaks with Israeli Defense Minister. On November 23, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz. On Lebanon, Secretary Austin stressed the need to protect Lebanese and UN forces and reiterated the US commitment to a diplomatic resolution. On Gaza, the Secretary urged the Israeli government to take steps to improve humanitarian conditions and emphasized the US commitment to securing the release of hostages.
CENTCOM Commander Visits Region. From November 16 to 22, CENTCOM Commander General Michael Erik Kurilla visited Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel. In Qatar, Kurilla hosted the CENTCOM Commander’s Conference, focusing on countering extremist organizations and strengthening security cooperation. He also met with regional officials to discuss Houthi activity in the Red Sea and ceasefire efforts in Gaza and Lebanon.
CENTCOM Conducts Strikes in Syria. On November 26, CENTCOM forces conducted a strike on an Iranian-backed group’s weapons storage facility in Syria in response to an attack on US forces the previous day.
DOD Official Arrives in Lebanon to Co-Chair Ceasefire Monitoring Mechanism. On November 27, Major General Jasper Jeffers arrived in Beirut to serve as a co-chair, alongside Senior Advisor to the President Amos Hochstein, of the implementation and monitoring mechanism of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. The mechanism will be chaired by the United States and includes the Lebanese Armed Forces, Israel Defense Forces, the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon, and France.
