S.Amdt. 3756

SA 3756, submitted by Mr. Kaine, aims to add a new section (SEC. 1265) to bill S. 2296. The purpose is to prohibit the deployment of United States Armed Forces in Gaza and the West Bank.

The amendment establishes the following:

• Sense of Congress: It states that while the U.S. supports Israel's ability to defend itself from terrorism and threats from Iran and its proxies, it is not in the U.S. interest to engage in new military deployments to the Middle East, spend taxpayer money on operations in Gaza or the West Bank, or support actions that worsen suffering or facilitate the displacement of 2,000,000 civilians in Gaza. It also notes there is no legal congressional authorization for military force in these areas.

• General Prohibition: The United States Armed Forces are prohibited from deploying personnel, engaging in hostilities, or conducting operations in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, with the exception of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

• Exceptions: The amendment does not prevent the U.S. from defending against attacks on the U.S. or its personnel and facilities outside the U.S. It also does not stop the collection, analysis, or sharing of intelligence regarding threats from Hamas or the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies.