In the aftermath of the devastating attack led by the Iranian-backed terrorist group Hamas, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is urging the Biden Administration to to identify and expel foreign nationals on U.S. soil who endorse, support, or participate in pro-Hamas activities.

Last week, the world was paralyzed with disbelief and despair as reports of mass slaughter, rape, and kidnapping conducted by Hamas in southern Israel emerged. This incident has since been described as one of the most harrowing attacks on Jewish individuals since the Holocaust.

Shockingly, pro-Hamas demonstrations surged across the United States, with a noteworthy number emerging from college campuses. The absence of outright condemnation from numerous college administrators has stoked a firestorm of criticism.

In response, Rubio stated, "America is the most generous nation on earth, but we cannot allow foreign nationals who support terrorist groups like Hamas and march in our streets calling for ‘intifada’ to enter or stay in our country."

Legal framework, including 8 USC1182 of the U.S. Code, provides grounds for the exclusion of individuals who engage in, endorse, or persuade others to espouse terrorist activity or support terrorist organizations.

Senator Rubio has announced plans to introduce legislation forcing the Administration to act, even as debates around the ethics and logistics of the proposal unfold. Furthermore, Rubio aims to withhold federal funding from educational institutions permitting activities that could be construed as supporting terrorist agendas.

Rubio also steadfastly rejects any plan to allow refugees from Gaza into the United States. Citing terrorism risks and border security concerns, Rubio asserted, “We are in no position to accept additional refugees, especially from a region with as high a risk of terrorism, given our nation’s inability to secure our own border or vet those who are already here.”

This story originally appeared in the Emet Times.

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In a shocking and brutal surprise attack, Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists infiltrated Israeli towns, unleashing a barrage of violence that has plunged Israel into a state of war. The early morning assault on a major Jewish holiday has left hundreds dead, others abducted, and a nation grappling with its deadliest attack in decades.

Israel, now in a declared state of war, vows to retaliate and inflict an "unprecedented price" on Hamas.

Hamas terrorists, utilizing a multi-faceted approach, infiltrated as many as 22 locations outside the Gaza Strip, including towns and communities up to 15 miles from the Gaza border. The terrorists, armed and ruthless, roamed freely in some areas for hours, killing civilians and soldiers alike.

The death toll has totaled more than 300 people and more than 1,500 wounded, marking it as the deadliest attack in Israel in decades.

International Response

The international community has been swift to respond, with leaders worldwide expressing their stances on the unfolding situation. President Joe Biden decried the "unconscionable" Hamas attack and warned Israel’s enemies not to exploit the crisis.

President Trump blamed the Biden administration stating at a campaign event in Iowa,  "The Israeli attack was made because we are perceived as being weak and ineffective and with a really weak leader."

Governor DeSantis echoed Trump's position comparing the attacks to 9/11 and pointed to the administration's recent release of funds to Iran, calling it a "disgrace."

Members of Congress, on both sides of the aisle, vocalized their support as well.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (pictured) affirmed that Israel "has every right to defend itself and its people against this barbarous onslaught."

(2/3) It has every right to defend itself and its people against this barbarous onslaught. The United States stands in solidarity with Israel, not just during this tragic day, but always. My heart and resolve is with all Israelis now and going forward.

— Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@DWStweets) October 7, 2023

Sen. Rick Scott called for "every American ally & partner" to "swiftly condemn [the] invasion & actions of war by Hamas terrorists & the Iranian regime which supports their murderous attacks."

Israelis are dying today at the hands of Iran-backed terrorists. Every American ally & partner must swiftly condemn this invasion & acts of war by Hamas terrorists & the Iranian regime which supports their murderous attacks.

We stand with Israel https://t.co/bxv6Q6QyUJ

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) October 7, 2023

Rep. Cory Mills' analysis of larger implications of the attack highlight the dangers of viewing "incidents in isolation and [failing] to recognize the larger strategy" of bad actors including Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea.

(1/8) I support Israel's right to defend itself, its citizens, and eliminate the terrorists threatening the stability of the region. It's clear to me that this is the work of Iranian-backed Hamas, aimed at disrupting talks with Saudi Arabia and the expansion of the Trump-era…

— Rep. Cory Mills (@RepMillsPress) October 7, 2023

However, members of the progressive "Squad", including Reps. Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar, and, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, issued statements later in the day, reflecting a different perspective. Their statements read as if they were written together.

Rep. Pressley called for an "immediate ceasefire & de-escalation," while citing a "cycle of violence and trauma."

These devastating attacks on Israelis are deeply alarming and my heart breaks for the victims & their loved ones.

We need an immediate ceasefire & de-escalation.

It is long past time to stop this cycle of violence & trauma, and work toward a just & lasting peace in the region. https://t.co/mPUukLKYg6

— Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@RepPressley) October 7, 2023

Omar echoed that position and called the situation a "back and forth cycle" and calling for a "deescalation and ceasefire."

I condemn the horrific acts we are seeing unfold today in Israel against children, women, the elderly, and the unarmed people who are being slaughtered and taken hostage by Hamas. Such senseless violence will only repeat the back and forth cycle we've seen, which we cannot allow…

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) October 7, 2023

AOC's statement boldly asserts Israel is responsible for "ongoing oppression and occupation in the region," and also called for "an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation."

pic.twitter.com/1mK0PNQruc

— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@RepAOC) October 7, 2023

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, who is Palestinian and supports the anti-Israel BDS movement, has not yet issued an official statement.

The common denominator in these statements reflects a position that Israel should not retaliate, that it should lay down its arms in a cease-fire, and that a “cycle of violence” – Israeli violence – is to blame.

Clapping back at these sentiments is Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who tweeted:

This is the largest attack in Israel in 50 years.

The response will be the largest response in 50 years.

Blame Hamas. They knew Israel would respond in kind. They didn’t care that this would get people in Gaza killed.

— Jared Moskowitz (@JaredEMoskowitz) October 7, 2023

The tweet generated significant backlash from Hamas sympathizers, including Rep. Omar who retweeted a comment reading "A U.S. Congressman suggesting 2 million people in Gaza should be collectively punished for the actions of Hamas."

While there appears to be widespread and global support for Israel in the wake of this attack, once Israel initiates a response, the tide will likely shift. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared, "This war will take time. It will be difficult." He promised that the military would utilize all its strength to dismantle Hamas's capabilities and avenge the dark day that has befallen Israel.

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In a recent appearance on Fox News, Gimenez delved deep into the nuances of the current U.S. foreign policy concerning Ukraine. While the ongoing debates surrounding President Biden's strategy have been a frequent topic of discussion, Gimenez emphasized not only the immediate implications but also the cascading effects on global alliances.

Rep. Gimenez voiced his reservations about Biden's current stance in Ukraine, articulating, "I'm not crazy about the policy that President Biden is carrying out in Ukraine."

However, he was quick to stress the bigger picture. Highlighting the risk of global perception, he commented, “But for us to abandon Ukraine right now sends a really bad message around the world that America is not a security partner that you can trust.”

While I disagree with the Biden Administration’s strategy, abandoning #Ukraine right now sends an awful message that the US is not a reliable security partner — especially at a time when Communist #China is threatening so many of our allies. pic.twitter.com/9M4n3YT158

— Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (@RepCarlos) October 2, 2023

Gimenez's concerns weren't solely focused on Europe. Turning his attention to the Asia-Pacific landscape, he underscored the potential domino effect. "There are countries like Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines," Gimenez noted, "that will be scrutinizing our commitment to Ukraine closely." The underlying message was clear: wavering support for Ukraine might inadvertently push these pivotal nations closer to China's orbit.

In addition to his insights on Asia-Pacific relations, Gimenez touched upon the broader geopolitics at play. He suggested that any perceived inconsistency in U.S. foreign policy could have unforeseen ramifications on its global partnerships. With nations watching and weighing their strategic alignments, the U.S. stance on Ukraine could set a precedent for future alliances and partnerships.

Echoing these sentiments, Rep. Maria Salazar, also representing Miami, conveyed a similar stance in her recent conversation with WLRN. Advocating for continued funding for Ukraine, Salazar stressed the importance of the U.S. showcasing its reliability as a global partner while maintaining pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

She emphasized, “Vladimir Putin could say, OK, look, Biden is pretty weak and Congress abandoned the Ukrainians. Now why don't we try Poland?” Salazar further warned that pulling back support for Ukraine would cultivate “a major, monstrous problem” not only for the U.S. but the global stage as a whole.

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In a move applauded by Rep. Jared Moskowitz, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Lebanon-based Green Without Borders (GWB) and its leader, Zuhair Subhi Nahla.

GWB, pretending to be an environmental activist organization, has been linked with supporting Hezbollah along the "Blue Line" between Lebanon and Israel for more than a decade.

Congressman Moskowitz stands behind this action, a loud and clear statement of the U.S. government's opposition to Hezbollah. “Green Without Borders is a false front for Hezbollah. The United States will continue to support Israel's right to self-defense. As regional security threats loom, it's more important than ever,” Moskowitz said in a statement to the Emet Times.

He also called for a united international front: “The U.S. must aggressively target groups like Green Without Borders and work with allies to ensure that terrorist organizations are isolated. Congress should strengthen sanctions on those that support terror groups like Iran."

This isn't just a political move. These sanctions, reflecting the strong stance of Moskowitz, could shake up Lebanon's intricate political scene, deepening rifts and altering alliances.

The U.S. is showing teeth, and it's not just about Lebanon. This action sends a strong message to international peacekeepers about GWB's activities along the Blue Line.

Moskowitz's support of these sanctions emphasizes the U.S.-Israel partnership in combating terrorism. The sanctions mirror Israel's own concerns about Hezbollah near its borders.

The move also fits into a broader U.S. goal to solidify alliances, guarantee regional stability, and confront terrorist financing in the Middle East.

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Governor Ron DeSantis' recent reappointment of three members to the South Florida Water Management District could soon be raising eyebrows in certain political circles, as apparent financial connections between two of the water district's reappointees and Gov. DeSantis's presidential campaign could be seen as "pay-for-play."

On August 4, 2023, Gov. DeSantis announced the reappointment of Chauncey Goss, John Steinle, and Scott Wagner to the South Florida Water Management District, a body essential to ecosystem restoration and flood protection in South Florida. While these appointments are subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate, the connections between the appointees' financial support of DeSantis's presidential campaign draw attention.

Chauncey Goss, Managing Partner of Goss Practical Solutions, LLC, has also financially supported DeSantis's campaign. His donations, though not as sizable as Wagner's, are still noteworthy, totaling $1,855.78. Goss's background includes roles in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Budget and service on the United Way Board of Directors. His reappointment to the South Florida Water Management District follows his series of contributions to the campaign.

The most startling connection involves Scott Wagner, the founder of Wagner Legal, and a renowned figure in Miami's legal scene. Wagner's standing as an expert in maritime law and his various accolades in the field have cemented his reputation. But it's his deep financial ties to Governor Ron DeSantis's campaign that will most likely perk the interests of Florida's political class.

Wagner is listed as the President of a political not-for-profit corporation named Faithful & Strong Policies, Inc. Through his organization, Wagner has orchestrated substantial financial support for DeSantis's political ambitions. The corporation has donated a total of $5.5 million to the Never Back Down PAC, which appears to be doing the heavy grassroots lift for DeSantis's presidential bid.

A timeline of events further fuels suspicion. On June 30, 2023, FAITHFUL & STRONG POLICIES INC. contributed $500,000 to DeSantis' super PAC.

Weeks after Wagner cut the $500,000 check to  his presidential PAC, DeSantis reappointed Wagner to his position as Vice Chairman of the South Florida Water Management District.

The financial connections don't end with corporate contributions. Wagner, along with his wife, Shoshanna, individually maxed out their personal contributions to DeSantis' campaign at $6,600 each. These donations, made in late May 2023, came just before the substantial corporate contribution.

The intertwining of these donations with Wagner's reappointment raises ethical questions, and cast a shadow over the integrity of political appointments, especially when sizable financial support is involved.

Though no evidence of illegality has been uncovered, the pattern of donations followed by a reappointment has many questioning whether this could be a case of "pay-for-play" politics.

John Steinle, a Partner at Atlantic Street Capital, was the third reappointee. There is no known financial connection to the campaign.

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Members of Congress from Florida, including Reps. Cory Mills, Jared Moskowitz, María Elvira Salazar, and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, are among those who have signed a letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, advocating for the Biden Administration to integrate the Abraham Accords into the broader U.S. strategy in Africa.

The Abraham Accords, established in 2020, ushered in a new era of diplomacy and cooperation between Israel and various Arab nations. The signatories of this recent letter hail the Accords for facilitating unprecedented trade, cultural exchange, defense cooperation, and increasing mutual understanding among new partners in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Rep. John James stands at the forefront of this initiative, which enjoys the backing of influential groups like the American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC), and the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA). JINSA praised the bipartisan group, tweeting that “the opportunities to broaden Abraham Accords membership extend beyond the Middle East.

The opportunities to broaden Abraham Accords membership extend beyond the Middle East. Kudos to @JohnJamesMI and this bipartisan group of congressmen for encouraging the administration to be more proactive in its outreach on normalization.https://t.co/JSPVFZVm37

— JINSA (@jinsadc) June 2, 2023

Collectively, they are calling on the Biden administration to leverage the proven success of the Abraham Accords to enhance U.S. involvement in Africa. They advocate that the Accords could be effectively utilized as a dynamic instrument for promoting the U.S.’s long-term goals in the region, pertaining to regional stability, economic prosperity, and strategic alliances.

The appeal comes in the wake of the first-ever Israel-Arab-Africa Summit held in April 2023. The Summit convened 30 representatives from Arab and African countries, along with Israeli delegates, to address the region’s challenges. Notably, it led to a memorandum of understanding between the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs and Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs. The agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation on national security, agricultural technologies, and food and water security.

Highlighting these achievements, the signatories state that the Accords not only laid the foundation for peace in the Middle East but have already formed tangible partnerships that foster travel, cultural exchanges, trade, education, scientific and medical innovation, cybersecurity cooperation, and regional security. These accomplishments, they argue, demonstrate the capacity of the Accords to build multilateral partnerships and promote cooperation among nations.

As preparations are underway for a potential Negev Forum Summit, the group calls upon the State Department to extend invitations to African leaders and dignitaries. They hope to present the Accords as a framework for addressing some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, including slave labor, food security, energy, education, and healthcare.

Furthermore, the group believes that a broader framework of engagement can be instrumental in countering efforts by China and Russia to undermine sovereignty and stability within the African continent.

They assert that the Abraham Accords can provide a new pathway to advance peace and stability in Africa, citing the successful relationships built during the Israel-Arab-Africa Summit. They encourage the United States and other Accord member countries to demonstrate the economic and political successes that the Accords have already yielded.

The signatories express interest in hearing more about the State Department’s plans on engaging with African nations through the Abraham Accords and request a written response outlining current and future efforts to implement a strategy that advances Israeli normalization into Africa.

This story was originally published by The Emet Times.

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U.S. Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, along with a cadre of their colleagues, have reintroduced the Combating Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) Act. The legislation aims to fortify the economic standing of Israel against the BDS movement, a global campaign seeking to delegitimize the Jewish state through economic measures.

The BDS movement has been widely criticized for inflicting economic harm on Israel and jeopardizing its commercial engagements. The Combating BDS Act of 2023 is designed to enhance protections for U.S. state and local governments that divest from or restrict contracting with entities engaging in BDS activity against Israel, including businesses operating in Israel or Israeli-controlled territories.

As part of the renewed push against BDS, Senator Rick Scott, who led a similar initiative as Governor, described the BDS movement as "hateful" and "disgusting." The Florida senator further claimed the campaign fuels antisemitism and is unacceptably prevalent within the U.S.

“The anti-Israel boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) movement is hateful, disgusting and fuels anti-Semitism – it has no place in our nation. I was proud to lead an effort as Governor to show the world that Florida will not do business with those that boycott Israel. This good bill will continue that work by ensuring state and local governments have full authority to cancel or deny funding to organizations that support the BDS movement. I will always stand with our Jewish community and fight the BDS movement and anti-Semitism wherever it is found," stated Sen. Scott.

The reintroduced bill, initially proposed by Sen. Marco Rubio (R, aims to empower local governments to withdraw or refuse funding to organizations supporting the BDS movement. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Mike Braun (R-IN), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Steve Daines (R-MT).

Rubio called the BDS movement "the single most destructive campaign of economic warfare against the Jewish state of Israel." He asserted that amidst a surge of antisemitism, the U.S. must maintain robust solidarity with its principal democratic ally in the Middle East. The senator anticipates that the successful passage of the bill, as was the case in the Senate previously, would contribute significantly to curtailing the BDS movement's alleged discriminatory activities.

Senator Cassidy echoed these sentiments, underscoring that the BDS movement is steeped in antisemitism and hostility towards Israel. The Louisiana senator stressed the importance of enabling state and local governments to resist attempts aimed at eradicating Israel.

Furthermore, Senator Hagerty branded the BDS movement as "antisemitic" and detrimental to the legitimacy of Israel, the U.S.'s foremost ally in the Middle East. He expressed hope that the Combating BDS Act of 2023 would equip U.S. state and local governments with the necessary tools to counter the BDS movement's discriminatory and hate-filled conduct.

As this bill makes its way through the legislative process, the discourse surrounding the BDS movement and its impact on U.S.-Israel relations is set to intensify. This reintroduction comes as a strong statement of support for Israel from the U.S. Senate, emphasizing its stance against the BDS movement and antisemitism.

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As Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis gears up for his 2024 presidential run, and looks to mitigate the growing number of Florida Republican congressmen endorsing his soon-to-be opponent, President Donald Trump, Rep. Jim Jordan has come out and openly endorsed Trump.

"100% for President Trump…"No one has demonstrated that they will do what they said and get things done like he did, and he did it with everyone in that town against him. And that's what I still respect about President Trump, and I'm for him all the way,” said Rep. Jordan

"I just talked to Vice President Pence. Great guy … Governor DeSantis, is a great guy. When we formed the Freedom Caucus, there were nine of us. He was one of the nine. But I am 100% for President Trump," added Rep. Jordan.

Rep. Jordan’s endorsement of Trump could be seen as a body blow to DeSantis, but it was expected, as has been the case with the latest round of congressional endorsements by Florida lawmakers for the former president

Reps. Byron Donalds, Matt Gaetz, Anna Paulina Luna, and Cory Mills, have all come out to support President Trump, and now Gov. DeSantis’s operatives are trying to set up calls between the governor and other members of Florida’s congressional delegation before they endorse President Trump.

“We need to stop the infighting and come together and unify. And I think right now the person that we need to be unifying behind is President Trump,” said Rep. Mills.

Rep. Donalds stated,"There is only one leader at this time in our nation’s history who can seize this moment and deliver what we need - to get us back on track, provide strength and resolve, and Make America Great Again."

The Floridian has learned that several of the lawmakers DeSantis has reached out to would entertain a call from the governor, but are already committed to Trump, even if they won’t openly admit it now.

But while the Rep. Jordan endorsement is significant, and could be dismissed by DeSantis supporters, it's very telling.

For years, Jordan and DeSantis were very close as founding members of the House Freedom Caucus.

The Floridian Publisher Javier Manjarres was privy to several closed-door meetings between the two men, where both appeared to be in line ideologically and politically.

In other words, Jordan and DeSantis appeared to be connected at the hip, and very loyal to one another.

Jordan was one of the first to know DeSantis was going to run for governor of Florida and not Attorney General back in 2017.

During a backroom meeting in the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn Building that year, Jordan turned to Floridian Publisher Javier Manjarres and asked, “So what do you think, governor?”

Manjarres quickly pivoted towards DeSantis in disbelief, who with a big smile agreed, and asked that he not report that news or tell anyone until he was ready to make the announcement.

Like Jordan, Manjarres sat on the breaking news for months.

According to Manjarres, the news came as a bit of a surprise, because for months, he and DeSantis exchanged numerous phone calls and text messages discussing his 2018 political plans and running for governor was not in the mix.

Manjarres said that DeSantis would ask him what he really thought about him running for Attorney General, and only brought up governor once.

If your names aren't Donald Trump or Ron DeSantis, endorsements usually don't help say many votes, let alone swing elections.

We saw how Trump's endorsement of DeSantis won the governor the 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary race, but one or two congressional endorsements will not move the needle.

However, a growing wave of congressional endorsements could help drive media attention and momentum, something DeSantis appears know very well.

DeSantis has received the endorsement of Reps. Thomas Massie and Chip Roy.

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In a bold move, a coalition of 124 U.S. Members of Congress, led by Reps. Kathy Manning, Tom Kean Jr., and Bill Keating, have taken a significant and determined step in the ongoing fight against Iranian and IRGC terrorism.

In a letter addressed to Josep Borrell Fontelles, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the group urges the EU to designate Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. This follows the European Parliament's overwhelming vote on January 18, in which 598 members supported the measure while only nine opposed it.

The Florida congressional delegation demonstrated their commitment to this critical issue. Reps. John Rutherford, Michael Waltz, Cory Mills, Darren Soto, Laurel Lee, Lois Frankel, Jared Moskowitz, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and María Elvira Salazar added their signatures to the letter.

Not one member of the so-called "Squad"—Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Cori Bush, and Rashida Tlaib—signed the letter, provoking inquiries about their viewpoints on Iran's proxy conflicts with Israel and their stance on the IRGC.

It remains to be seen whether the Squad's decision not to sign the letter indicates a reluctance to confront Iran's support for groups that actively target Israel or if it reflects a differing opinion on the most effective approach to address the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' activities.

Despite the strong backing in the European Parliament, the EU Foreign Affairs Council has not yet implemented the terrorist designation. The letter emphasizes that Iran remains a leading state sponsor of terror, with the IRGC openly carrying out plots targeting citizens in countries across the EU.

The letter cites a recent study by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, which revealed that Iran has instigated at least 33 plots to surveil, abduct, or assassinate citizens in Europe within the last five years. The Members of Congress believe there is sufficient evidence for the EU to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, given the European Court of Justice's ruling that investigations and prosecutions outside the EU may be used as evidence.

The letter also provides an in-depth analysis of several recent incidents linked to the IRGC, including assassination plots both in and outside the EU, which qualify as "terrorist acts" under EU law. Notably, German authorities are pursuing prosecution against IRGC-linked individuals responsible for plotting attacks against synagogues in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.

The Members of Congress hope that the upcoming meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council will give due consideration to this critical issue, stressing the IRGC's involvement in human rights abuses and terrorist activities. The decision to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization would have significant implications for the Jewish community, given the organization's role in plotting attacks against synagogues and other Jewish institutions in Europe.

If the EU were to designate the IRGC as a terrorist organization, it would send a strong message to Iran and the world that it stands against terrorism and human rights abuses. The Jewish community and all citizens in the EU would benefit from the increased security and deterrence that such a designation would provide. Furthermore, this move would encourage a united front among democratic nations to counter the growing threat posed by the IRGC and Iran's expansionist agenda. By taking this decisive action, the EU would reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding human rights and promoting regional peace and stability.

This story was originally published by the Emet Times. 

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The Biden administration is under fire for the lack of focus on security threats originating from the Western Hemisphere in its 2022 National Security Strategy that was released last October. Despite the growing challenges posed by criminal organizations in Central and South America, the document scarcely addresses human trafficking, drug trafficking, or illegal immigration, and fails to mention the Southern border crisis altogether.

Sources have informed The Floridian that a high-ranking Department of Defense (DOD) official reviewed drafts of the report before its official publication. The drafts' neglect of the Western Hemisphere raised concerns that the administration was not taking security threats in the region seriously enough.

In response, that high-ranking DOD official traveled to Washington, DC to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris, urging her to prioritize illegal immigration, drug and human trafficking, and political instability in the region, according to an individual familiar with the meeting that took place shortly before the document was released.

The official presented the security risk concerns and encouraged Harris and the administration to modify the strategy to reflect the existing threats to the U.S. before publishing.

Despite this intervention, the 48-page strategy document outlined its global priorities as follows: Out-Competing China and Constraining Russia, Climate and Energy Security, Pandemics and Biodefense, Food Insecurity, and a few others.

Notably absent from the list of global priorities are the threats posed by organized criminal groups like drug cartels in Central and South America, leading to questions about the administration's commitment to addressing these critical security challenges.

In fact, transnational criminal organizations are only mentioned once in the entire document.

The lack of emphasis on the Western Hemisphere and the migration crisis at the southern border has alarmed experts who argue that a comprehensive and coordinated approach is necessary for ensuring regional stability and maintaining US national security interests.

At the very end of the document (Page 40) that references regions,  the administration briefly mentions border security, but does so when stating that it looks to enter in "a bold hemisphere-wide partnership" with other nations to help assist "affected communities, the expansion of legal pathways," and "human migration management."

The Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection complements U.S. efforts at home to modernize its border infrastructure and build a fair, orderly, and humane immigration system with a bold hemisphere-wide partnership centered on the principle of responsibility-sharing, stability and assistance for affected communities, the expansion of legal pathways, humane migration management, and a coordinated emergency response. The United States is also leading the charge to expand legal pathways for migration and to combat illicit human smuggling and trafficking that prey on vulnerable migrants. These efforts combined aim to stabilize migrant populations and replace irregular migration with orderly flows that can fuel economic growth in the United States and across the region. We will pursue these collaborative efforts while ensuring a fundamentally fair, orderly, and humane approach to migration management that bolster border security and protects our nation.

Florida Congressman Cory Mills called Harris's "dismissal" of the threat to America and throughout the Western Hemisphere as "anti-American."

The Biden administration is completely culpable and complicit with the ongoing criminal activity along the border,” stated Rep. Cory Mills in a response to The Floridian's request for comment. " VP Harris’ dismissal of the threat posed to Americans by criminal drug cartels, who continue to kill Americans by bringing deadly fentanyl, speaks to the anti-American beliefs she holds.

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Ilhan Omar's recent co-sponsorship of a bill recognizing Israel as a legitimate U.S. ally and condemning antisemitism has sparked accusations of hypocrisy, given her past history of making antisemitic remarks and pushing anti-Israel policies.

The bill, which was introduced on February 2, 2023, highlights the importance of diversity in the United States and acknowledges the contributions of various minority communities, including Jewish Americans. The bill also condemns the centuries-long scourge of hate, discrimination, and racism that Jewish Americans have faced.

Antisemitism, one of the oldest forms of hatred, is a recurring issue that has led to the killings of Jews throughout history. The resolution acknowledges that Jewish Americans continue to face antisemitism in various forms in the 21st century, including age-old tropes such as controlling the government and media, yielding too much influence in decision-making bodies, and seeking political, financial, and global dominance in society.

The resolution also rejects the perpetuation of antisemitic tropes, including claims of dual loyalty, control, and other conspiracy theories antithetical to American values. It stands in unity with the Jewish people in the United States and around the world against the rising antisemitism and explicitly condemns antisemitism masquerading as anti-Israel sentiment.

Ilhan Omar's support of this bill is in stark contrast to her past statements and actions.

In 2019, Omar was widely criticized for comments she made about the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which many viewed as invoking antisemitic tropes. She suggested that AIPAC was using money to influence American politicians' stances on Israel, saying, "It's all about the Benjamins, baby." Omar was forced to apologize for her comments, and the House passed a resolution condemning antisemitism and other forms of hate speech in response.

Additionally, Omar has been accused of making other antisemitic comments and supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, which some view as being rooted in antisemitism. In 2019, the House passed a resolution condemning BDS, which Omar voted against.

This is a lie. @DemMaj4Israel are either ignorant of the movement's positions or purposely misrepresenting them.

BDS opposes Israel's denial of Palestinian rights & dignity.

People are entitled to express their views in this country and should support this nonviolent movement. https://t.co/ctBJk9e0rw pic.twitter.com/Bdi3JrvQ2L

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) January 26, 2021

Big win for the BDS movement. Let’s go https://t.co/8p7IQ3oVtZ

— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) May 25, 2021

Omar has faced criticism for her connections to individuals and groups with alleged ties to terrorism. She has been accused of supporting the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which has been linked to Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. In 2019, Omar also came under fire for speaking at a fundraising event for the Muslim American Society, which had been accused of promoting antisemitism in the past.

Omar's co-sponsorship of this bill seems to be a politically-driven attempt to distance herself from her past antisemitic remarks and actions and save her position on the Foreign Affairs Committee, rather than a genuine show of support for Israel and the Jewish people. The same day the bill was filed, the House voted to remove her from the committee due to her long history of antisemitic remarks.

The post Ilhan Omar Co-Sponsors Bill Recognizing Israel as America’s Ally and Condemning Antisemitism, Amidst Controversy and Hypocrisy appeared first on The Floridian.

The pushback against House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s leadership continues and it appears that the case against the embattled and potential future Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives was first made by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

During an exclusive interview with Floridian Publisher Javier Manjarrés in October 2017, then-Congressman Ron DeSantis first expressed his lack of faith in House Republican Leadership over its refusal to investigate the Clinton Foundation and former House staffer Imran Awan.

Imran Awan, the House IT aide who was associated with an individual with ties to the terror group Hezbollah and arrested on a federal bank fraud charge, was never called to testify before the House Oversight Committee DeSantis sat on, or any other congressional committee under then-Speaker Paul Ryan and then-Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

“Part of the frustration that I have had, the House and Republican rule has not been as effective as it needs to be in doing oversight,” said Rep. DeSantis.

DeSantis accused Ryan and McCarthy of barring him and other Republicans from investigating the Clintons and Awan.

"I mean, you remember the Clinton Foundation? When that scandal broke, we were barred from the leadership from doing one hearing, one subpoena, and nothing in the congress about the Clinton Foundation. You had all this money going into the foundation from foreign governments, you had money going to Bill Clinton from foreign governments, you had Hillary taking action as Secretary of State," said DeSantis.

When asked if the biggest hurdle he faced was trying to overcome  House Leadership, DeSantis responded that the Awan case could have been one of the biggest scandals in history.

“I think that there is concern that there is not going to be investigated as zealously as it needs to be, this has the potential to be the biggest scandal in Congress since the House banking scandal in the early ‘90s, but in order to get the facts, you really got to go at it that hasn’t been done so far, I can’t answer that,” added DeSantis.

That lack of faith in McCarthy is now being echoed by Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), the firebrand Florida lawmaker and ally of now-Gov. DeSantis.

“We need a leader with credibility across every spectrum of the Republican Conference, and that person is not Kevin McCarthy,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz.

Rep. Gaetz has openly-opposed Leader McCarthy, and while McCarthy recently received enough votes to win the Republican nomination to be Speaker, there is a very real possibility that he will not be elected Speaker in January.

To become the next Speaker of the House, McCarthy needs 218 votes. According to Gaetz, McCarthy does not have the votes and says he would support Rep. Jim Jordan instead, whom he also says is the “most-talented” and hardest working” member of Congress.

Rep. Jordan is also a strong ally of Gov. Ron DeSantis and was one of the first to know along with Manjarres that DeSantis was going to run for governor and not Attorney General during the 2018 midterm election cycle.

Since Republicans won the majority less than two weeks ago, Leader McCarthy and House Republicans announced that they would investigate the Biden administration, holding several press conferences to announce their intentions.

“We are going to make it very clear that this is now an investigation of President Biden,” Rep. James Comer said during a Capitol press conference along with several members, including Rep. Byron Donalds.

It will remain to be seen if Republicans follow through with the investigations. Republicans like DeSantis and Jordan were paid the same investigation lip service by  McCarthy before.

The post DeSantis First to Question McCarthy's Leadership in Republican-led House appeared first on The Floridian.

The University of Miami Health System is on record admitting that they will perform surgical procedures, including gender genital affirming surgery and double mastectomies on transgender children as long as one parent consents.

UM Health provides an array of LGBTQ+ Services to transgendered persons, such as gender-affirming hormone therapy, gynecology, mental health, plastic surgery, primary care, and voice treatments.

According to its website, physicians will perform procedures on children, including cosmetic and plastic surgery, with the following stipulations:

“Patients under the age of 18 will need parental consent for genital procedures. For patients with Gender Identity diagnosis, our physician staff will follow the guidelines of the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH). These guidelines are established to ensure that you are fully prepared for surgery. They recommend one/two referral letters prior to undergoing surgery. These letters must be from an experienced mental health professional, who you have worked with for over a year. Letters must state that gender-affirming surgery is the correct course of treatment for the patient.”

A source, who wishes to remain anonymous, spoke to a representative on the phone regarding gender-affirming surgery for her 16-year-old daughter seeking to transition to a male. The representative advised that initial consultations are done with the plastic surgeon, Dr. Sarah Denker.

The representative also confirmed that UM would perform a double mastectomy or "top surgery" on a girl as young as 16 years old.

As for genital surgery, the representative indicated that the surgeon could discuss those options during an in-person consultation.

Parental Objection

When asked whether consent is required from both parents, Lauren Foster, Director of Concierge and LGBTQ+ Services in the Office of Patient Experience, advised that consent from one parent is enough. She reiterated that even if the other parent is opposed to these permanent medical procedures being performed on their child, their facility only requires one parent’s consent.

In other words, a parent who does not believe that this life-changing surgical procedure is appropriate for their child may be excluded from the decision-making process, and may have little recourse to prevent the procedure from taking place. It also means that the surgery may be performed without one parent's knowledge.

Genital Surgery on Minors

UM Health’s website clearly states that its doctors perform genital surgery, also called “bottom surgery,” on minor children with at least one parent's consent.

However, this practice appears to contradict recommendations from major medical organizations. The Endocrine Society, for example, does not recommend genital surgery for minors.

In fact, Boston Children’s Hospital makes it abundantly clear that “all genital surgeries are only performed on patients age 18 and older.”

As reported by the Tampa Bay Times, the Chief of Pediatric Endocrinology at the University of Florida, Dr. Michael Haller, confirmed the American Academy of Pediatrics has established a standard of care for transgendered youth, which dictates that genital surgeries should only be offered to people 18 and above.

The University of Miami may be violating this standard of care.

State Policy

Governor Ron DeSantis has been adamantly opposed to the practice of performing permanent surgery on transgender youth. During a press conference in August, Gov. DeSantis said, “They talk about these very young kids getting gender-affirming care. What they don’t tell you what that is that they are giving very young girls double mastectomies, they want to castrate these young boys — that’s wrong.”

In response to a petition by the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Board of Medicine is now in the process of developing rules for treating transgender children.

The topic has been a major policy debate in Florida, particularly regarding State-providers like Medicaid and whether gender reassignment treatments should be covered. In August, DeSantis signed a law banning Medicaid from covering gender reassignment procedures.

Are Florida Tax Dollars Funding These Procedures?

While the University of Miami Health System is a private institution, it receives many subsidies and funding from the State of Florida. In fact, Florida’s 2022 “Freedom First Budget” included millions of dollars allocated to UM’s Health System.

The question remains whether Floridians are indirectly footing the bill for radical genital surgeries on minors. While monies are directly allocated to specific needs, could the health system's administrators ultimately decide to reallocate those taxpayer dollars to fund other departments?

The post Top Florida Hospital System to Perform Genital Surgery on Minor Transgender Children appeared first on The Floridian.

Olympic figure skater, Michelle Kwan, appears to be seriously considering a run for Congress. Kwan, who is the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history, has recently been appointed by President Biden to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Belize.

The web address www.michelleforcongress.com directs visitors to Kwan’s personal Twitter page, indicating she purchased the domain to use it for a possible future Congressional campaign.

When asked if she would consider a run for office, Kwan told U.S. Figure Skating last year, “I would never say never, but I don’t see it in the near future. But then again, it depends what month you catch me in.”

According to publicly available information, the domain address michelleforcongress.com – which links to Kwan’s Twitter account, was created in 2018 and updated in 2022, indicating her plans of a possible run for office may have been in the works for some time.

The 2-time Olympic medalist is no stranger to politics. She worked as a surrogate outreach coordinator for Hilary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign. She also worked as the director of surrogates for President Biden’s campaign.

Kwan has extensive work experience at the State Department in public diplomacy and youth outreach. From 2006 to 2014, she worked as a Public Diplomacy Envoy and from 2012 to 2014 as a Senior Advisor.

The State Department considers her “a well-qualified candidate to be the U.S. Ambassador to Belize” according to its certificate of competency it submitted on Kwan's behalf as a part of her overall nomination to President Biden for the consideration for the position.

She also holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s in law and diplomacy.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing in June regarding her appointment for the ambassadorship voting for her appointment favorably. Her official appointment hearing is to be scheduled in the Senate.

The post Figure-Skater Michelle Kwan Considers Future Congressional Run appeared first on The Floridian.

A bipartisan group of U.S. House of Representatives, including members Florida delegation, signed a letter directed to President Biden urging him to consult with Congress before signing on or agreeing to any nuclear deal with Iran.

Rep. Charlie Crist, who is running against Gov. Ron DeSantis, Rep. Val Demings, seeking to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Lois Frankel, and Rep. Darren Soto were among those who joined Rep. Josh Gottheimer in penning the letter.

Interestingly, two of the most prominent Democrat Jewish members of Congress, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Rep. Ted Deutch, did not sign the letter.

The representatives expressed deep concerns about specific provisions of the potential nuclear agreement with Iran. They recognized that Iran continues its role as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and further addressed growing concerns about Tehran's role in partnering with Russia.

The letter calls provisions allowing non-US individuals to conduct business with non-sanctioned Iranian persons an irresponsible move. Many of those non-sanctioned Iranians conduct business with sanctioned individuals, creating a perilous loophole that could promote and support the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp (IRGC) and undermine U.S. efforts to combat terrorism worldwide.

The strongly worded letter asserts that the United States cannot trust Iran. It underscores the importance of disengaging the Russia-Iranian alliance and holding the Islamic state accountable for its role in sponsoring terror plots.

The Justice Department recently uncovered a foiled Iranian-sponsored plot to assassinate former National Security Advisor to President Trump John Bolton, as well as plans to murder Iranian-American dissidents on American soil.

The letter concludes with an urgent request that the administration not enter any nuclear deal with Iran before transparently releasing the agreement's full text with Congress and consulting key stakeholders.

"While we commend you for refusing to remove the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) — one of our most powerful tools used to compel state sponsors of terror to change — the aforementioned reported provision creates a troubling precedent. We are concerned that it could significantly dilute the effectiveness of terrorism-related sanctions on the IRGC, Iran’s paramilitary terror arm and provides the organization with a pathway for sanctions evasion," stated the letter. "If the regime in Iran, the world’s leading state sponsor of terror, has proven anything, it's that it can’t be trusted. The IRGC has directly, or through its proxies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, Ansar Allah (Houthis), Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and scores of Shiite militias in Iraq, killed hundreds of Americans, and attacked our bases and our allies in the region."

As tensions with Iran remain high, the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA) reported just yesterday that the IRGC attempted to steal a U.S. maritime drone. JINSA's policy experts also urged the Biden Administration to recognize the "pattern of Iranian aggression that will only exacerbate if the U.S. fails to respond with force and instead continues to negotiate a nuclear deal." It further pushes the administration to recognize the nuclear deal has failed and move forward with "consistent and forceful military action alongside its regional partners to deter Iranian aggression."

Mossad Chief Barak Ravid was reportedly scheduled to visit Washington this week for closed-door meetings regarding the Iran Nuclear Deal with key members of Congress. It is unknown if this letter comes as a result of any meetings with Ravid.

Florida Rep. Ted Deutch traveled to Israel with Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid in August to discuss Israeli security objectives amid Iranian aggression.

Prime Minister Lapid will likely meet with President Biden in September to discuss the adversarial effect a nuclear deal would have on the State of Israel.

This story was originally published by the Emet Times

The post Bipartisan Group of House Members Alarmed Over Biden's Pending Iran Nuke Deal appeared first on The Floridian.

Apparent secret flights have landed in Greensboro, N.C. in the weeks following the Biden Administration's announcement that illegal migrants will be housed at the former American Hebrew Academy.

Multiple flights originating in Mexico, stopping in the border town of Laredo, TX, have landed at Triad Piedmont International Airport (GSO) in the early morning hours on multiple days this week.

All the flights originated from Mexican airports and stopped briefly in Laredo before arriving in Greensboro.

These flights raise suspicions as the federal government has leased the campus of the former American Hebrew Academy for use as a migrant influx facility to house undocumented minors who illegally cross the Mexican/American border.

The flights appear to land in Greensboro in pairs. For example, Mexican airline Aeronaves TSM departed Laredo on Monday evening (11:45 p.m.) and arrived in Greensboro at 3:55 a.m.

Flight records indicate an additional aircraft, with a different tail number identifier and assigned to an unknown owner, departed Laredo roughly 30 minutes later (Tuesday at 12:15 a.m.) and arrived in Greensboro at 3:57 a.m.

Aeronaves TSM is a Mexican airline based in Saltillo, Mexico, and operates chartered and cargo flights.

For example, the flight that arrived at 3:57 a.m. on Tuesday departed Saltillo, Mexico, stopped in Toluca, Mexico, before heading to Laredo, TX, and ultimately Greensboro.

Both Mexican cities are areas heavily controlled by Mexican cartels and may be obligatory pit stops for asylum seekers. According to a pastor who assists asylum-seeking migrants, “The Mexican-U.S. asylum process often requires immigrants to report variously in both Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey, between Saltillo and Nuevo Laredo.”  

He calls the Saltillo/Monterrey/Nuevo Laredo corridor “one of the most dangerous regions in North America, where cartels operate with impunity.”

The Floridian contacted administrative officials at Piedmont Triad International Airport to confirm whether these flights were private charters or cargo but did not immediately receive a response.

Migrant Influx Facility

As uncovered by The Floridian, the American Hebrew Academy closed its doors and refinanced its property through an education company headquartered in communist China, Puxin Limited.

Citing our reporting, Sens. Thom Tillis and Richard Burr along with other members of the Texas Congressional delegation, penned a letter inquiring whether the Department of Health and Human Services knew about these suspicious financial ties.

The Floridian also reported that two companies with the same owner received two massive federal contracts to maintain the facility and handle the programming and services will provided there.

After our reporting, at least one of those contracts is now on hold.

Midnight flights: Cargo or People?

The Biden Administration has been accused of conducting secret overnight flights to transport illegal migrants to cities across the country.

Congressman Troy Nehls recently called out the media for its failure to adequately question the Administration on its flying of illegal aliens all over the country in the dark of night it while simultaneously called Texas Gov. Greg Abbott racist for transporting illegal migrants to New York and D.C.

Joe Biden flies illegal aliens all over the country in the dark of night

Media? Silence

Greg Abbott busses illegal aliens to NYC and DC

Media: Racist!

— Congressman Troy Nehls (@RepTroyNehls) August 29, 2022

Cory Mills, who recently won his Republican primary in Florida's Congressional District 7, retweeted Nehls. Mills visited the southern border in May to lay eyes on the growing crisis there. A video taken of him along the Rio Grande made national news, where he declared "every single state is a border state under the Biden Administration."

Every State is a border State under The Biden Administration. SECURE OUR BORDERS! pic.twitter.com/W4bT9d75eo

— Cory Mills (@CoryMillsFL) May 3, 2022

While it is unconfirmed whether these particular flights arriving in Greensboro are connected with the previous flights of illegal immigrants coordinated by the Biden Administration, the flights’ arrivals appear to have commenced just as the Administration announced Greensboro as the location of a large illegal immigration influx facility.

The post Secret Overnight Flights From Mexico Land in Greensboro appeared first on The Floridian.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has put one of its immigration contracts on hold. One of the companies awarded a contract to house illegal immigrants in Greensboro, N.C., is now on "warm status," according to a letter sent by the company to its employees.

The announcement comes shortly after The Floridian reported that Deployed Resources and Deployed Services – companies owned by the same individual – received two government immigration contracts for likely the same work at the Greensboro influx center.

The change in status was first reported by Fox 8.

Deployed Services sent the following letter to their employees advising them their contract was on "warm status."

"Warm status" means the government is pulling back some funds and reducing operations and workforce.

The letter cites HHS' ongoing negotiations with yet another company for "facilities management" as a reason for the change.

As previously reported, Deployed Services, Deployed Resources, and The American Hebrew Academy have received contracts with the Federal Government for the influx facility. Each entity seems to have some aspect of "facility management" in its respective roles.

According to local witnesses, BluSky Restoration Contractors' trucks have been spotted on the property. Roofers were also seen making repairs.

The Floridian reached out to BluSky for additional information but has not yet heard back from them for comment.

The Floridian requested further information regarding the project and a breakdown of the roles and responsibilities of each contracted business to HHS. However, HHS only sent us a fact sheet with the limited information already made public. HHS advised that we must submit any additional requests for information via a FOIA request. The Floridian has submitted a FOIA request to HHS for further details, and the department has 20 working days to respond.

Another concern is that The American Hebrew Academy is zoned as a "Private School" but will be used as a migrant influx facility. Guilford County property tax records show that the American Hebrew Academy is a 100-acre property with land classified as "Institutional." The zoning description reflects it is to be used as a private school.

While the influx facility will provide educational instruction, whether temporarily housing illegal migrant children constitutes a "private school" is unknown.

The Floridian contacted the Guilford County Zoning and Planning Office for comment or explanation but could not immediately reach anyone for comment.

The project has caused local and nationwide controversy as the Biden Administration continues what many see as a weak response to illegal immigration at the Southern Border.

The post Federal Government Puts Immigration Contract On Hold appeared first on The Floridian.

Florida Congressman Ted Deutch (D) and Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides met with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid on Thursday to discuss the United States' commitment to supporting Israel in the face of growing Iranian nuclear aggression.

Yesterday ⁦@RepTedDeutch⁩ and I met with ⁦@IsraeliPM⁩ Lapid. We reiterated the US government’s ironclad commitment to Israel’s security in the face of Iranian aggression. pic.twitter.com/DP5HAdCBjN

— Ambassador Tom Nides (@USAmbIsrael) August 19, 2022

Deutch chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Middle East and North Africa subcommittee.

He announced earlier this year that he would not run for reelection. Instead, he will lead the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

Deutch's district, which includes parts of both Palm Beach and Broward counties, is considered a safe seat for the Democrats. The Democrat primary candidates include Allen Ellison, Michaelangelo Hamilton, Hava Holzhauer, Jared Moskowitz, Ben Sorensen, and W. Michael Trout.

On the Republican side, candidates include Joe Budd, Darlene Cerezo Swaffar, Steve Chess, Christy McLaughlin, Myles Perrone, James Pruden, Ira Weinstein.

Deutch has remained a staunch supporter of Israel during his tenure in Congress, although some criticized him for not going after fellow Democrats and members of the "Squad," who regularly push an anti-Israel agenda.

The meeting between Deutch Nides and Lapid comes at a critical time in the U.S./Israel effort to keep Iran's nuclear program at bay.

While nuclear talks are officially on hold, Iran continues to demand concessions from the United States and European Union.

Earlier this week, Iran officially responded to the EU's plan for the "final" time. Its response had many additional requests, including guarantees if the U.S. were to leave the agreement again.

Many are concerned that Biden, who was Obama's Vice President at the time of the original Iran Nuclear Deal, will be lenient toward Iran.

A heated Twitter exchange between Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Sen. Jim Risch (R) and the National Security Council occurred Thursday afternoon.

Risch warned the Biden administration of the grave consequences of making concessions to Iran and called Iran's requests "blackmail."

The Iranian regime seeks #JCPOA guarantees from the Biden Administration that it will end the #IAEA probe, protect western companies operating in #Iran, & allow Iran to accelerate nuclear weapons work if a future administration exits the deal.

— Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member (@SenateForeign) August 18, 2022

The full thread reads:

"The Iranian regime seeks #JCPOA guarantees from the Biden Administration that it will end the #IAEA probe, protect western companies operating in #Iran, & allow Iran to accelerate nuclear weapons work if a future administration exits the deal. These demands from #Iran are blackmail and would go down in history as a major Biden foreign policy failure, coming on the heels of the disastrous #Afghanistan withdrawal. Not to mention this deal will threaten the safety of our partners and Americans in the region. #Iran continues to plot assassinations of former U.S. officials, provide #Russia w/ armed drones to attack #Ukraine, disable #IAEA monitors, prop up PIJ assaults against #Israel, & attack our troops & diplomats. Biden JCPOA sanctions relief will only increase Iran’s terrorism."

The official Twitter account of the Nation Security Council shockingly replied: "Nothing here is true."

Nothing here is true. We would never accept such terms. We also would not have left a deal that was working only to see Iran massively accelerate its nuclear program. https://t.co/MY6uJZzCGD

— National Security Council (@WHNSC) August 18, 2022

The Biden Administration has, in fact, lifted some sanctions against Iran, and doing so has allowed countries to cooperate with Tehran on civil nuclear projects.

While widely viewed as a dangerous move, the State Department contends the sanctions waiver is not a concession to Iran. Instead, it would "enable some of our international partners to have more detailed technical discussions to enable cooperation that we view as being in our non-proliferation interests."

Next week, Israeli National Security Adviser Eyal Hulata is visiting Washington to fully brief the Biden Administration on the importance of keeping Iran nuclear-free.

Originally posted in The Emet Times. 

The post Deutch meets with Israeli PM Lapid as Iran Nuclear Aggression Continues appeared first on The Floridian.