Staff Reports
Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who is facing multiple indictments, has decided not to attend a classified briefing on Israel this week. This comes as Menendez was recently accused of being an unregistered foreign agent for Egypt in addition to his previous bribery charges. The embattled senator claims that his extensive knowledge of foreign policy and his long-standing involvement with Israel informed his decision to skip the briefing. Menendez believes that there is nothing he would learn in the classified hearing that would change his views on what needs to be done regarding the United States and Israel’s response to Hamas’s attack.
Bob Menendez skipping classified Israel briefing after foreign agent charge https://t.co/VtVp4Hvc2A
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) October 18, 2023
It is unclear whether Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asked Menendez not to attend the meeting, as Schumer remained tight-lipped on the matter. Regardless, Menendez made it clear that he stands firmly in support of Israel amidst the recent conflict with Hamas. He emphasized the importance of the world’s reaction to the terrorist attack Israel suffered, highlighting the devastating impact it has had. However, the senator also faces accusations of using his position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to benefit the Egyptian government in exchange for personal gain.
Menendez views these charges as part of a larger “smear campaign” against him and has vowed to fight them. He claims to have been loyal to the United States for 50 years and refuses to succumb to what he perceives as government harassment. Despite the controversies surrounding Menendez, the Senate remains focused on Israel this week, passing resolutions condemning Hamas and organizing aid packages. The confirmation hearing for President Joe Biden’s nominee for ambassador to Israel is also scheduled to take place this week.
