Last month, the U.N. Security Council refused to extend the arms embargo on Iran that was set to expire in October. The lifting of the embargo would have strengthened the regime’s ability to buy and sell advanced weapons, further enflaming the Middle East and putting Americans and our allies at risk.
To ensure the embargo was extended, the Trump administration used a U.N. procedure to "snapback" sanctions on Iran, thereby indefinitely extending the embargo. That extension went into effect on Saturday.
Today, the administration announced further sanctions on the regime to ensure international enforcement of the arms embargo.
To learn more, read this memo that was sent to Capitol Hill offices today.
Below my signature is more news we are following this week.
Sincerely,
Brian Shankman Director of Regional Affairs and Development
Urge Congress to Cosponsor Bipartisan Resolutions Backing Historic Peace Agreements
It's a new era for peace, progress and prosperity in Israeli-Arab relations.
New bipartisan resolutions in the House and Senate strongly support the recent peace agreements between Israel, the UAE and Bahrain and urge other countries to follow suit.
The House, Senate or White House has flipped party control in 8 of the last 10 election cycles. This hasn’t happened in over 100 years.
Party control is changing at historic rates. This volatility underscores the need to work with both parties, to ensure we can continue to advance pro-Israel policies over time—no matter which party controls the Senate, House or White House.
As of this week, we know that at least 49 seats will change this election cycle.
AIPAC meets with viable candidates for Congress, on both sides of the aisle, and educates them on the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship. We have met with 347 viable candidates for office so far this election cycle.
Full Ceremony: The Abraham Accords
At last week's White House ceremony, remarks were delivered by President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Foreign Ministers of the UAE and Bahrain. It was followed by a signing ceremony of the Abraham Accords.
Honduras to Move its Embassy to Jerusalem
The Republic of Honduras has announced it will move its embassy to Jerusalem.
We were honored to host president Juan Orlando Hernández AIPAC's 2019 Policy Conference, where he announced his intention to open an official diplomatic mission in Jerusalem.
U.S. Announces New Sanctions on Iran Defense Ministry and Others
Reuters Staff, Reuters
The Trump administration on Monday announced new sanctions against Iran’s defense ministry and others involved in Tehran’s nuclear and weapons program to support U.S. assertion that all U.N. sanctions against Tehran are now restored, a move key allies such as the Europeans dispute.
Abu Dhabi and Israel Sign Film and TV Deal: Expect New Film Festival and Co-Productions
The National
A new agreement has been announced between Abu Dhabi Film Commission, Israel Film Fund and Jerusalem Sam Spiegel Film School.
The film commissions announced they will work together to create content "with the goal of promoting tolerance and education," and to develop "a deeper cultural understanding between the Emirati and Israeli people."
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