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AIPAC Update
Dear A.,
Two key congressional committees took important action this week to advance the critical funding we lobby for to keep Israel safe.
The House Armed Services Committee marked up its version of the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes:
$500 million for missile defense programs, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow.
$40 million for the U.S.-Israel counter-drone program, an increase of $15 million over past years. The bill also extends the program through 2026.
The committee also included the DEFEND Act in the legislation, which would expand missile defense and counter-drone cooperation between Israel and its Arab partners.
The bill also authorizes a new U.S.-Israel program to combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
What's next? This legislation now moves to the full House and the Senate
Also this week, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations forwarded its Fiscal Year 2023 funding bill for full committee consideration.
The bill critically includes the full $3.3 billion in security assistance to Israel without added political conditions.
We will keep you informed as our policy agenda continues to move forward on Capitol Hill.
Key News This Week
Israel Heads to Elections this Fall
On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Alternate Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid announced an agreement to dissolve the government coalition and head to elections.
The agreement is expected to pass the Knesset next week. Once that happens, Lapid will serve as prime minister until a new government is sworn in. Bennett will serve as alternate prime minister and retain the Iran policy portfolio.
Elections are tentatively set to take place on November 1.
President Joe Biden is still expected to travel to Israel next month and will now be received by incoming Prime Minister Lapid.
Our view: The outgoing governing coalition, as well as the upcoming elections, reflect Israel’s vibrant democracy. Israel remains committed to a strong and robust relationship with America — for the benefit of both nations.
Go deeper: AIPAC hosted The Times of Israel political correspondent Tal Schneider this week for a briefing about the latest political dynamics in Jerusalem and what happens next.
A federal appeals court upheld an Arkansas state law on Wednesday requiring state contractors to certify that they do not boycott Israel.
The ruling: The court found the law did not violate the First Amendment’s free speech protections as it only implicates "unexpressive commercial choices" and does not require contractors "to publicly endorse or disseminate a message."
Why is this significant? It was the first time a federal appeals court ruled in favor of a state law barring public contractors from engaging in commercial boycotts of Israel.
The big picture: BDS is a deliberate, discriminatory campaign to undermine the one Jewish state. The court’s ruling is a major setback to those that challenge the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Watch On-Demand
What’s next for Israel’s government? A briefing with Tal Schneider
CONVERSATION • June 23, 2022
Tal Schneider, political correspondent for The Times of Israel, joined us this week for a live briefing to discuss the unfolding political situation in Israel as the Knesset votes to disband and the country prepares for new elections.
Hen Mazzig, Israeli-born international speaker, writer, activist and social media enthusiast, sat down with AIPAC to discuss his work advocating for the Jewish people on social media, dispelling myths about Israel and fighting antisemitism and anti-Zionism.
AIPAC's Conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid
VIDEO • JUNE 23, 2022
Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is set to become Israel’s interim prime minister following the expected vote next week to dissolve the government. Rewatch our conversation with Minister Lapid, where he discusses his family's legacy, the U.S.-Israel relationship, and the strategic threats facing Israel.
One Year Ago: Israel's Rescue Team in Surfside, Florida
VIDEO • JUNE 23, 2022
Friday marked one year since the devastating building collapse in Surfside, Florida.
Amid the disaster, our ally Israel answered the call and worked tirelessly alongside U.S. rescue teams to help people affected by the tragedy. May the memories of those lost be a blessing.
Lapid visits Turkey amid warming ties, following security cooperation between the countries
VIDEO • JUNE 24, 2022
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid hailed security cooperation with Turkey in helping foil an Iranian plot to kidnap or kill Israeli nationals in Istanbul, as he met his counterpart in Ankara for high-level talks aimed at cementing the countries’ rapprochement Thursday.
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
