Pentagon Restricts Congressional Visits to Israel Amid Gaza Conflict

The U.S. Pentagon has issued a memo, as reported by CNN, announcing the suspension of Defense Department support for congressional visits to Israel and restricting official trips to the country due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The memo, authored by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, discourages members of Congress and their staff from visiting Israel, stating that Defense Department support for congressional delegation visits will not be available during this period.

It’s important to note that this policy does not impact the regular movement of military and civilian personnel to the U.S. Central Command, and it does not apply to high-ranking officials such as the President, Vice President, or top military leaders. Other senior military officials may seek approval for travel to Israel, but the memo underscores the current danger, with a Department official warning that a congressional visit to Israel would place an “undue burden” on service members due to the volatile situation.

The advisory follows heightened tensions and potential terrorist threats triggered by the Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as recent changes in travel advisories for various regions.