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Republicans want to provide Israel with assistance to replenish Iron Dome missiles, the defensive system (pictured above) that protects Israeli civilians from Hamas rocket barrages out of Gaza. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) made a unanimous consent request today that would provide the $1 billion in assistance that Israel has requested to ensure that Iron Dome is ready for the next conflict.

The Daily Wire reports:

The bill is expected to make the $1 billion available for Israel for the next two years should Israel decide that it still needs the funding for “the acquisition, enhancement, maintenance, and sustainment of the Iron Dome defense system to counter short-range rocket threats.” The bill’s co-sponsors are GOP House Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA), Kay Granger (R-TX), Ranking Member on the Appropriations Committee; Mike Rogers (R-AL), Ranking Member on the Armed Services Committee; and Michael McCaul (R-TX), Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Unfortunately, Leader McCarthy tweeted late this morning: “BREAKING → Democrats just blocked funding to resupply the Iron Dome—the missile defense system that has saved countless lives in Israel from Hamas' rocket attacks.”

Democrats in Congress, on the other hand, are pushing to double US funding to Palestinian projects and aid. The Jewish Insider reports: 

The State, Foreign Operations and Related Programs bill, which the full committee will vote on today, appropriates at least $225 million in aid for the West Bank and Gaza — a $150 million increase over 2021 funding and $40 million more than what President Joe Biden had requested in his budget.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and RJC Board of Directors member Sander Gerber wrote an opinion piece this week for the National News in which they argue against the Biden State Department plan to use the corrupt Palestinian Authority as a “go-between” to ensure that American aid to Gaza reaches civilians and doesn’t go into the pockets of Hamas. They write:

Those committed to helping Palestinians must realise that the current institutions tasked with doing so are corrupt, insufficient and self-interested. Tackling this perennial problem begins with removing the PA from the aid equation.

• Bryen: What America wants and what Iran wants

Shoshana Bryen writes that the disastrous Biden administration policy has abandoned longtime American allies and paid Tehran a series of dividends with no agreement by Iran to curtail its abhorrent behavior at home or abroad.

• Tobin: Biden’s promise on Iranian nukes is worthless

Jonathan Tobin notes President Joe Biden's pledge that Tehran will not acquire nuclear weapons on “his watch.” But if Biden reinstates President Barack Obama’s terrible Iran nuclear deal, the crisis will occur after he leaves office.

The Republican Jewish Coalition notes with sadness the passing of former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. RJC National Chairman Norm Coleman said: 

The American people owe a debt of gratitude to Donald Rumsfeld, who devoted his life to public service. He served our country as a Naval officer, a member of the House of Representatives, and in numerous roles in two Republican presidential administrations. As Secretary of Defense under President George W. Bush, Rumsfeld’s steady hand and innovative thinking guided our military in the difficult days after 9/11. Over the next few years, he led the fight against terrorism and made our country more secure.

Donald Rumsfeld was a man of integrity, dedicated to the security of the United States and to the welfare of our military men and women. He served this country with skill, devotion, and honor. We are diminished by his passing. Our thoughts are with his wife, Joyce, and their family.

The growing political divide over Israel

Fox News contributor and former White House spokesman Ari Fleischer, a member of the RJC Board of Directors, joins JNS editor-in-chief Jonathan Tobin to talk about the politics of support for Israel. The changing political landscape, voting trends in the Jewish community, and the RJC’s great work are all part of the conversation.

First Bahraini ambassador to Israel formally appointed

Bahraini monarch Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa on Tuesday officially appointed the Gulf kingdom’s first ambassador to Israel, following last year’s agreement between the countries to normalize diplomatic ties.

Honduras becomes fourth country to open embassy in Jerusalem

Honduras officially moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem on Thursday in the presence of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and visiting Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández.

Why Israel got to Surfside so fast

Jeffrey Salkin writes: “Israel responds immediately — not because the victims are Jewish. Israel responds immediately — because Israel is Jewish.” His article is worthy of your attention.

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