Groups urge US Congress to reconsider Israel defence ties
Dozens of civil rights and advocacy groups have urged US lawmakers to remove a provision expanding defence ties with Israel. The provision appears in the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act. The House of Representatives approved the bill in July. The Senate must now consider the legislation. Read More: Trump’s envoys in Middle East to push […]
The US House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday, threatening to withhold federal aid from universities that engage in boycotts against Israel or attempt to hinder students' participation in exchange programs in Israel. The "Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act" passed with a 237-169 vote. The act applies solely to universities receiving federal student aid.
Thirty-three Democrats, most of whom support Israel, voted in favor of the bill, while two Republicans opposed it. The bill's fate now rests on the Senate's decision. Some see the bill as an attempt to exploit division among Democrats ahead of the midterm elections. Pro-Palestinian activists dispute claims that campus protests are antisemitic and argue that critics conflate criticism of Israel with antisemitism.
Republican Congresswoman Virginia Foxx describes anti-war protests on university campuses as antisemitic.
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- US Congress passes bill punishing universities that boycott Israel middleeasteye.net
