U.S. Politics
The U.S. Navy veteran, who is Jewish, was recently part of a bipartisan delegation of incoming members of Congress visiting Israel for almost a week.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro likely to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital during his visit • Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly said he plans to move embassy to Jerusalem, set to land in Israel on March 31.
“While Lebanon has the right to defend itself, that is the right of the Lebanese state alone,” said U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale after meeting Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri.
Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell voted against the motion. Immediately after the vote, he filed a motion to reconsider for the fourth time.
The president would be required to fill the position, which is has been vacant since the start of the Trump administration, within 90 days.
Croatia canceled a $500 million sale of a dozen F-16 fighter planes due to the United States denying an Israeli request to execute the deal.
The final tally was 53-43. At least four Democrats voted for cloture: Arizona’s Krysten Sinema, Alabama’s Doug Jones, West Virginia’s Joe Manchin and New Jersey’s Robert Menendez.
If enacted, the legislation would impose fresh sanctions on Syria, and boost security cooperation with Israel and Jordan amid the announced gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria.
James Mattis, U.S. Secretary of Defense at the time, rejected a request from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to soften U.S. conditions, including returning the planes to their initial state prior to Israeli upgrades.
“The federal government should not use taxpayer dollars to subsidize one of the most infamous hate groups in the United States,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.). “That’s why I’m demanding your department immediately cease all contracts with the Nation of Islam and prohibit it from receiving any contracts in the future.”
Sens. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) each tweeted opposition to a vote advancing the legislation, citing the government shutdown.
The primary country objecting to it is Iran, and not Arab nations.
