House Probes U.S. Funding of Groups Opposing Netanyahu

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – The House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees are investigating six Israeli and U.S. groups that received federal funding under the Biden administration, suspecting the money was used to undermine Prime Minister Netanyahu and Israel’s elected government during the 2023 judicial reform protests.

In a letter to six organizations, Republican Reps. Jim Jordan and Brian Mast—chairs of the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees—accused the Biden administration of using federal funds to “harm Israel’s democratically elected government.”

“The Biden-Harris administration directed American taxpayer money to certain Israeli entities in a manner intended to undermine Israel’s democratically elected government,” the Republican lawmakers wrote. “The use of federal grants in this way not only jeopardizes the U.S.-Israel relationship but also violates basic civil rights protections in both countries.”

They added, “Furthermore, the misuse of federal grant money could, in some cases, constitute a criminal offense. As part of our constitutional oversight responsibilities, we seek your organization’s cooperation in reviewing this matter.”

The letter was addressed to groups including the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, Blue and White Future, the Jewish Communal Fund, the Israel Policy Forum, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and the Middle East Peace Dialogue Network (MEPDN).

The lawmakers claim that in 2023, Blue and White Future, which backed protests against judicial reform, received about $4 million from MEPDN. They allege the funds originated from USAID and the State Department, funneled through the Jewish Communal Fund and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

As part of the investigation, the committees have requested documents and communications related to funding applications and spending by April 9. They also ordered the groups to preserve all records tied to the grants.

The letter, first reported by Jewish Insider, claims the case reflects a broader issue with USAID and State Department funding in the region, alleging that millions have gone to groups tied to terrorism and antisemitic rhetoric.

The lawmakers argue this isn’t the first time federal grants have supported protests against Netanyahu. They claim, “USAID and the State Department have even provided direct support to Hamas and other terrorist groups,” and allege that “between 2007 and 2024, USAID and the State Department transferred at least $122 million to NGOs linked to designated terrorist organizations. Many of these groups have openly expressed antisemitic rhetoric and incited violence against Jews.”

The committees are seeking clarity on how the funds were used, stating, “Congress has a significant interest in ensuring that federal grant money is used in a manner consistent with legal authorization and legislative intent.”

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