I. Legislative Department
1) Personnel and Correspondence
Senator Risch Requires Harder US Coverage Towards Iran. On December 27, Rating Member of the Senate Overseas Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho) printed an op-ed in UK-based information outlet Asharq al-Awsat calling on Congress and the Biden administration to pursue a brand new coverage towards Iran, which he labeled “one of many United States’ most urgent nationwide safety challenges.” Senator Risch referred to as on the US authorities to introduce and implement extra sanctions on Iran, assault Iranian drone provide chains, and work with regional allies like Israel to create a “credible joint US-Israeli navy choice to take Iran’s nuclear program off the desk.”
Lawmakers Warn that Home Speaker Drama Threatens Nationwide Safety. On January 4, Democratic members from the Home Armed Providers Committee warned that Consultant Kevin McCarthy’s (R-California) repeated failure to acquire sufficient votes to develop into the subsequent speaker of the Home was hampering “the flexibility of Congress to perform in its oversight position, presenting a transparent menace to nationwide safety.” And on Jan 5, Home Republican leaders raised related issues. The Democrats cited “rising tensions and instability in Iran and all through the Center East” as a key safety precedence since members of Congress can’t obtain labeled details about this and different points till they’re sworn in. Till a speaker of the Home is elected, representatives can’t be sworn in and congressional committees can’t type and carry out their duties. On January 5, State Division Spokesperson Ned Worth echoed these issues.
Consultant Tlaib Condemns Israel’s Killing of Palestinians in 2022. On January 4, Consultant Rashida Tlaib (D-Michigan) commented on the discharge of information displaying that 2022 was “one of many deadliest years for Palestinians on document,” citing the deaths of greater than 200 Palestinians by the hands of Israeli safety forces and settlers over the course of the yr. Consultant Tlaib referred to as for ending US funding for Israel, stating, “Congress should cease funding apartheid.”
2) Nominations
President Biden Nominates New US Ambassadors for the Center East. On January 3, President Biden nominated Yael Lempert to be the subsequent US Ambassador to Jordan. Lempert at present serves because the State Division’s principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of Close to Jap Affairs. President Biden additionally nominated Ana Escrogima to be the subsequent US Ambassador to Oman. Escrogima beforehand served because the State Division’s deputy chief of mission on the Yemen Affairs Unit based mostly in Saudi Arabia. As well as, the administration introduced that it will renominate Michael Alan Ratney, Karen Sasahara, and Martina Sturdy to develop into US Ambassadors to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, respectively. The three nominees had been nominated through the 117th Congress however had been by no means confirmed by the Senate.
II. Government Department
1) The White Home
Nationwide Safety Advisor Sullivan and Secretary Blinken to Meet with New Israeli Authorities. On January 2, a White Home official mentioned that Nationwide Safety Advisor Jake Sullivan will journey to Israel this month to fulfill with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s new authorities. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is anticipated to be part of the journey as effectively, and the 2 officers will meet with Netanyahu and Head of the Israeli Nationwide Safety Council Tzachi Hanegbi. The Biden administration is reportedly hoping to seek out frequent floor with Netanyahu’s new far-right authorities over a return to the Iran nuclear deal and a reevaluation of the US-Saudi relationship.
2) Division of State
State Division Expresses Concern About Israeli Protection Minister’s Go to to Al-Aqsa Compound. On January 3, State Division Spokesperson Ned Worth expressed concern about Israeli Nationwide Safety Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s provocative go to to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, stating, “We’re deeply involved by this go to. This go to has the potential to exacerbate tensions and to impress violence.” Worth mentioned that the Biden administration has spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace concerning the go to, however didn’t point out that the US has spoken with Ben-Gvir straight. The identical day, White Home Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre commented on the go to, stating, “Any unilateral motion that jeopardizes the established order [at Jerusalem holy sites] is unacceptable, and we are going to proceed to be steadfast on that and be very clear on that.” The town’s holy websites have traditionally been a flashpoint for violence—most notably within the case of the Second Intifada, which erupted after Israeli then-politician Ariel Sharon’s go to to the Al-Aqsa compound within the yr 2000.
State Division Calls on Israel to Cease Homesh Settlement. On January 4, State Division Spokesperson Ned Worth warned the brand new Israeli authorities in opposition to pushing for the legalization of the Homesh settler outpost within the occupied West Financial institution, stating that it’s “unlawful even underneath Israeli regulation,” and urging Israel to chorus from altering this coverage. The Homesh outpost, which was constructed on Palestinian land within the occupied West Financial institution, was evacuated throughout Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, however Israeli settlers illegally preserve a continuing presence on the web site. New far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is pushing to repeal the Disengagement Regulation and to formally permit Israelis to settle there.
State Division Says it’s Nonetheless In opposition to Upgrading Relations with Syria. On January 3, State Division Spokesperson Ned Worth mentioned that the US remains to be not planning to improve its relations with Syria’s Assad regime following a latest trilateral assembly between Turkey, Syria, and Russia. Throughout a press briefing, Worth mentioned, “We urge states to fastidiously contemplate the Assad regime’s atrocious human rights document of the previous 12 years because it continues to inflict atrocities on the Syrian folks and to disclaim entry to life-saving humanitarian help.” On December 28, the Turkish, Syrian, and Russian protection ministers met in Moscow to debate the civil struggle, Syrian refugees, and joint counterterrorism efforts. The subsequent day, Rating Member of the Senate Overseas Relations Committee Jim Risch (R-Idaho) echoed Worth’s feedback, arguing {that a} potential rapprochement between Turkey and Syria “threatens worldwide efforts to carry Assad to account for his horrific crimes in opposition to the Syrian folks.”
State Division Gives $5 Million for AQAP Chief in Yemen. On January 5, the State Division introduced that it’s going to supply a $5 million reward for info on the whereabouts of Ibrahim al-Banna, the final surviving founding member of Al-Qaeda within the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), al-Qaeda’s affiliate in Yemen. The group stays energetic in Yemen and was chargeable for the deaths of at the least 21 Yemeni troops in a September 2022 assault on a safety put up within the southern a part of the nation.
State Division Gives $10 Million for Al Shabab Chief Behind 2020 Assault. On January 5, the State Division introduced that it’s going to supply a $10 million reward for info on the whereabouts of Maalim Ayman, a pacesetter of Jaysh Ayman, a unit throughout the terrorist group al-Shabab, which operates in Kenya and Somalia. Ayman is reportedly chargeable for the January 2020 assault on a navy base close to Manda Bay, Kenya, which resulted in American and Kenyan casualties and the destruction of American plane and autos.
US Citizen and Bidoon Activist Deported from Kuwait. On January 3, Kuwaiti activist and American citizen Mona Kareem was deported from Kuwait after making an attempt to enter the nation. Kareem has run a web site advocating for the Bidoon, a stateless minority group in Kuwait that’s disadvantaged of citizenship and its advantages. The State Division has not commented on Kareem’s deportation.
Particular Consultant for Palestinian Affairs Amr Requires Elevated Israeli Integration. The State Division’s Particular Consultant for Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr spoke in an interview concerning the significance of Israel’s regional integration within the Center East as a way to enhance the day-to-day lives of Palestinians. In a December interview with Jewish Insider, Amr acknowledged, “Israel’s rising integration and broad-based alternatives it creates—that is one thing that we are able to leverage to enhance the lives of Palestinians within the West Financial institution and in Gaza.” Throughout the interview, Amr steered that in his new place he’s much less centered on a peace course of between Israel and Palestine, and is focusing as a substitute on enhancing dwelling circumstances for Palestinians within the West Financial institution and Gaza.
US Yemen Envoy Lenderking Travels to Jordan and Saudi Arabia. On January 3, US Particular Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking traveled to Jordan and Saudi Arabia to advance a UN-led truce extension and enlargement in Yemen. In saying Lenderking’s journey, the State Division urged the Houthis to cooperate with the United Nations to finish the disaster.
US Returns 2,700-12 months-Previous Artifact to Palestinian Authority. On January 5, Chief of the US Workplace of Palestinian Affairs George Noll met with Palestinian Authority officers in Bethlehem to return a 2,700-year-old spoon that dates to the Assyrian civilization. The artifact had been beforehand stolen from Palestine after which illegally bought. Noll referred to as the trade “a historic second between the American and Palestinian folks.”
State Division Acknowledges Sudan’s Nationwide Day. On January 1, Secretary of State Antony Blinken commemorated the event of Sudan’s Nationwide Day and celebrated the nation’s 67 years of independence. In his assertion, Secretary Blinken additionally welcomed the December 5 announcement of a framework political settlement for Sudan, stating that the US will proceed to help a Sudanese-led path to democracy.
Secretary Blinken Speaks with Jordanian Overseas Minister. On January 6, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Overseas Minister Ayman Safadi to debate the US-Jordan relationship and regional stability. The cellphone name adopted Israeli Nationwide Safety Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s controversial go to to Jerusalem’s holy websites, and Secretary Blinken careworn the significance of Jordan’s position in preserving the established order as custodian of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The 2 leaders additionally mentioned the Negev Discussion board, the battle in Syria, and the fourth Memorandum of Understanding of Strategic Partnerships between Jordan and the US.
US Delegation Travels to United Arab Emirates to Take part in Negev Discussion board. On January 9, a delegation of US company representatives traveled to the United Arab Emirates to take part within the first assembly of the Negev Discussion board Working Teams. The occasion will embody representatives from Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, and can work to plan the March 2022 Negev Summit, which goals to combine Israel regionally and strengthen the financial system and high quality of life for Palestinians. Jordan, the one different Arab nation with diplomatic ties with Israel, might be notably absent from the conferences.
US Envoy for Iran Malley Condemns Public Execution of Protesters. On January 7, US Particular Envoy for Iran Robert Malley condemned the Iranian authorities’s execution of two protesters, Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Sayed Mohammad Hosseini, which happened the identical day. Malley acknowledged, “These executions should cease. We and others throughout the globe will proceed to carry Iran’s management accountable.”
3) Division of Protection
Secretary Austin Speaks with Israeli Minister of Protection. On January 4, Secretary of Protection Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Protection Yoav Gallant, congratulating him on his new appointment. The 2 leaders mentioned methods to counter Iran and to construct upon the Abraham Accords to extend Israel’s regional integration. Secretary Austin emphasised the significance of avoiding insurance policies that undermine stability within the West Financial institution, but additionally reaffirmed his dedication to Israel’s proper to self-defense.
US Army Awards $426 Million Egyptian Helicopter Contract to Boeing. On January 3, Boeing introduced that it has secured a $426 million contract to construct twelve CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Egyptian Air Power. The deal is a part of the Biden administration’s $2.6 billion arms sale to Egypt, which was accredited in Might 2022, and Egypt reportedly nonetheless has the choice to buy 11 extra helicopters.
US Coalition Forces in Syria Focused by Rocket Fireplace. On January 4, US Central Command Spokesperson Colonel Joe Buccino introduced that two rockets had been fired at US and different coalition forces in northeastern Syria earlier that day. The assault resulted in no accidents and no injury to the bottom that it was focusing on.
4) Division of the Treasury
Treasury Division Sanctions Suppliers of Iranian Drones to Russia. On January 6, the Treasury Division’s Workplace of Overseas Belongings Management (OFAC) introduced sanctions focusing on six executives and board members of Qods Aviation Industries (QAI), an Iranian drone producer. In accordance with the assertion, QAI has designed and produced Iranian drones that Russia has utilized in its struggle in Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen commented on the announcement, saying, “The Kremlin’s reliance on suppliers of final resort like Iran reveals their desperation within the face of courageous Ukrainian resistance and the success of our world coalition in disrupting Russian navy provide chains and denying them the inputs they should substitute weapons misplaced on the battlefield.”
Treasury Division Works with Turkey to Sanction Key IS Monetary Facilitators. On January 5, the Treasury Division’s Workplace of Overseas Belongings Management (OFAC) introduced sanctions focusing on 4 people and two entities in Turkey who’ve been concerned within the monetary facilitation community of the so-called Islamic State (IS). The sanctions are concurrent with the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance’s makes an attempt to freeze the belongings of this monetary community. The 4 sanctioned people have facilitated cash transfers to IS utilizing the 2 Turkey-based entities.
Division of Protection Prohibits Israeli Pilots from Flying F-35 Fighter Jets. The Division of Protection and US intelligence companies have reportedly banned Israeli pilots from flying F-35 fighter jets due to potential informational expertise leaks. The Israeli Air Power responded to the request favorably, eradicating their pilots from F-35 Adir plane—a stealth airplane used for intelligence gathering and assault missions.
5) US Committee on Worldwide Spiritual Freedom
USCIRF Releases Report on Spiritual Freedom in Iraq. On January 3, the US Fee on Worldwide Spiritual Freedom (USCIRF) launched a report on spiritual freedom in Iraq amid the nation’s political disaster. The report cites issues over how the Iraqi authorities’s instability prevents it from adequately addressing the persecution of non secular minorities corresponding to Yazidis and Christians. For instance, the report cites the March 2021 Yazidi Survivors Regulation, which was meant to offer reparations and help for survivors of the Yazidi genocide, however which has not been carried out as a result of Iraqi authorities’s latest political disaster. In its 2022 Annual Report, USCIRF advisable that the State Division place Iraq on its particular watch listing for having engaged in violations of non secular freedom.
USCIRF Releases Report on Spiritual Freedom in Saudi Arabia. On December 28, the US Fee on Worldwide Spiritual Freedom (USCIRF) launched a report on spiritual freedom in Saudi Arabia in 2022. The report describes “systemic repression of peaceable spiritual dissent,” together with that practiced by minorities like Shia Muslims, citing a March 2022 mass execution in Saudi Arabia that included 41 Shia Muslims who had been killed on prices together with holding “deviant beliefs.” On December 2, Secretary of State Antony Blinken designated Saudi Arabia as a rustic of explicit concern underneath the Worldwide Spiritual Freedom Act of 1998.
