US Congress passes bill punishing universities that boycott Israel

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.