Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan from Alaska has introduced a legislative package aimed at reinforcing the U.S.-Israel alliance and addressing security concerns in the Middle East. The three bills include the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act, the United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025, and the Stop the ICC Act.

Senator Sullivan emphasized that these bills are intended to "send a clear message that the United States stands firmly with Israel." He criticized the Biden administration for not enforcing previous sanctions on Iran, which he claims allowed Iran to fund terrorism across the region. "It’s time to return to ‘peace through strength’ in the Middle East," Sullivan stated.

The Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act aims to increase pressure on Iran by strengthening sanctions and ensuring their enforcement. It proposes expanding sanctions related to Iranian energy exports and creating an interagency task force to monitor illicit activities. This bill is supported by Senators Richard Blumenthal, John Cornyn, and Pete Ricketts.

The United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 seeks to bolster bilateral security initiatives between the U.S. and Israel. It includes new cooperative programs such as unmanned systems development and proposes Israel's inclusion in the National Technology Industrial Base. Senators Gary Peters, Richard Blumenthal, Pete Ricketts, and Jacky Rosen have cosponsored this legislation.

The Stop the ICC Act focuses on prohibiting U.S. funding for and cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), which Sullivan describes as antisemitic due to its actions against Israeli officials. The bill also restricts economic support for entities cooperating with ICC investigations into Israeli figures. Senator Tom Cotton is a cosponsor of this bill.

Background information notes that in 2024, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan sought warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and other leaders for alleged war crimes.