EMET Applauds Move by U.S Congressional Subcommittee to Rein in Egypt, PA Aid

The Endowment for Middle East Truth (EMET) applauds the recent decision by the the House Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee to seek new, tougher conditions on foreign aid to the Egyptian government and the Palestinian Authority (PA), following the decision by the Obama Administration to bypass a congressional hold on funds to the PA. According to the Jerusalem Post, the new restrictions would automatically cut funding to Egypt if the Egyptian government ends its peace treaty with Israel. The Secretary of State would also be required to certify that the Egyptian elections were free and fair, and that the elected Egyptian government was properly upholding civil rights.

Additionally, the bill would eliminate funding for the Palestinian Authority if the PA made any agreement with Hamas, which would close loop holes from previous legislation which prohibited funding only if the PA signed a “unity agreement” with the terrorist organization. The bill would cut funding for UNESCO, in response to the UN body’s recognition of a Palestinian State, and adds language requiring action to end incitement against Israel.

EMET has worked hard to educate Congress members and their staffs about the dangers of the rising Islamist tide in Egypt, and was among the first organizations on Capitol Hill calling for a freeze on foreign aid to Egypt. Unfortunately, EMET’s dire predictions continue to come closer to fruition. Notably, a recent Pew Global Attitudes poll indicated that 61% of Egyptians wish to abandon the peace treaty with Israel, while 70% have a favorable regard for the Muslim Brotherhood, and 61% support a Saudi-style role for religion in government. Similarly, EMET remains committed to demonstrating the role of anti-Israeli, anti-Jewish incitement in Palestinian Authority media as a detriment to peace.

This recent decision by the Appropriations Subcommittee shows that the EMET message is penetrating Capitol Hill, and that members of Congress are utilizing the information provided at EMET briefings and seminars to help improve American and Israeli national security.