Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House Judiciary and Foreign Affairs Committees have launched an investigation into whether federal funds were used to support protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial reforms in 2023.

The inquiry focuses on six nonprofit organizations that received U.S. grants during the Biden administration.

Among the organizations under scrutiny is the Movement for Quality Government in Israel (MQG), which played a central role in the mass protests against Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul. Ynet News reported that the committees are probing whether U.S. taxpayer dollars were funneled to these groups to influence internal Israeli politics and destabilize Netanyahu’s democratically elected government 

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and House Foreign Affairs Committee member Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) sent letters to multiple organizations, including the Jewish Communal Fund, Middle East Dialogue Network, PEF Israel Endowment Funds, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, and Blue and White Future. The Jewish Insider reported that the lawmakers accused the Biden administration of covertly using U.S. grants to “undermine Israel’s government” and interfere in the nation’s internal affairs.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has long voiced concerns over foreign funding of opposition groups, warning that “almost inconceivable” amounts of money from abroad have fueled protests against his government. JNS has reported that foreign financial backing of judicial reform protests has prompted Knesset lawmakers to introduce new legislation to curb such influence.

This congressional probe is the latest in a series of Republican-led efforts to scrutinize the Biden administration’s policies toward Israel. GOP lawmakers have repeatedly expressed concern that U.S. funding could be used to advance political agendas that run counter to American and Israeli interests.

The committees have requested detailed records from the NGOs and the State Department to determine whether U.S. funds were explicitly directed toward activities aimed at influencing Israeli domestic affairs. As the investigation unfolds, it is expected to further strain U.S.-Israel relations, particularly as Netanyahu’s government navigates a politically turbulent period.

NEWSRAEL: Needless to say, if this turns out to be true, it will be a BOMBSHELL scandal in both countries, and a big victory over the Deep State.