US House Targets Universities That Boycott Israel

The US House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday that would block federal funding for universities that boycott Israel. The Republican-controlled chamber approved the measure by 237 votes to 169. It must still pass the Senate before becoming law.

The vote comes amid continuing disputes on US campuses, where the war in Gaza has fueled protests and calls to boycott Israel. President Donald Trump’s administration and many congressional Republicans have accused protesters of antisemitism and supporting extremism. Protesters reject those accusations, arguing that support for Palestinian rights and criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza should not be equated with either.

Thirty-three Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the bill, while two Republicans voted against it. Democratic Rep. Jerrold Nadler opposed the measure despite his opposition to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, citing the right to free expression.

The bill’s sponsors maintain that it would not restrict academic speech or debate but would prevent discrimination against academic partnerships or investments involving Israel.

(Reuters, sab)