Lawmakers Call for Sanctions on Anti-Israel Groups Linked to Iran

A bipartisan coalition of 22 lawmakers is urging the Biden-Harris administration to investigate and take action against anti-Israel organizations that have allegedly received funding from Iran as part of its influence operations in the U.S. Led by Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.), the group expressed frustration over the administration's lack of transparency regarding Iran's ongoing foreign influence campaign, which reportedly includes financial support for anti-Israel protests across the nation. In a letter addressed to key officials, including Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the lawmakers emphasized the administration's responsibility to inform the public about these groups' connections to a state sponsor of terrorism. They highlighted that any financial transactions with such entities could violate U.S. anti-terrorism laws, potentially leading to severe legal consequences for those involved. The lawmakers are calling for the Treasury Department and the DNI to disclose all relevant information regarding Iran's funding of pro-Hamas organizations, aiming to shed light on the true nature of these groups. They also demand that the Justice Department pursue criminal prosecutions and civil forfeiture actions against any individuals or organizations that have accepted Iranian funds. As the deadline approaches, the lawmakers are pressing federal authorities to provide detailed information about specific individuals and entities linked to Iranian financial assistance, reflecting a growing concern over Iran's influence in American politics, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 election.