Senate Approves Pro-Israel Bill, Additionally Rebukes Trump

By Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Senate approved a Middle East policy bill on Tuesday that features a provision allowing states to penalize businesses engaged in boycotting Israel. Additionally, it includes an amendment that diverges from President Donald Trump’s stance by opposing a swift withdrawal of troops from Syria.

The Senate passed the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act with a substantial majority of 77-23, just hours before Trump’s annual State of the Union address, where he is expected to outline his policies for the upcoming year, including a claim of significant progress against the Islamic State militant group.

Many lawmakers, including some from Trump’s own party, have expressed strong opposition to the President’s December announcement of a withdrawal of 2,000 U.S. troops from Syria, arguing that the militant group remains a threat.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, typically aligned with Trump, introduced the non-binding amendment that was approved on Tuesday. The amendment acknowledges the progress made against the Islamic State and al Qaeda in Syria and Afghanistan but cautions that a "precipitous withdrawal" could destabilize the region and create opportunities for Iran or Russia to fill any power vacuums.

Furthermore, the amendment urges the Trump administration to ensure certain conditions are met regarding the "enduring defeat" of these groups prior to any significant troop withdrawals from Syria or Afghanistan.

The bill also contains provisions backed by both parties to introduce new sanctions on Syria as well as to secure assistance for Israel and Jordan. These measures are intended to reassure allies concerned about evolving U.S. foreign policy, particularly in light of Trump’s plans for Syria.

However, for the bill to be enacted, it must pass the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives, where it is unlikely to advance without substantial changes, due to objections regarding the provision related to the Boycott, Divest and Sanction movement addressing Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

Critics argue that the provision infringes on Americans’ constitutional right to free speech by penalizing participation in boycotts.