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USIEA IN THE NEWS

USIEA has resourcefully stepped up as a thought leader and expert on the U.S.-Israel relationship to provide an unbiased educational voice on various issues. With thought leadership, we can bring greater awareness of our work to members of Congress and their staff. We also expand our education to the general public as to why Israel is a critical U.S. ally.

 

USIEA is engaged with press on local, national, and international levels. We have a group of fellows residing in both the U.S. and Israel that frequently release opinion editorials on current events surrounding the U.S.-Israel dynamic. 

USIEA
BRUCE PEARL PUSHES BACK ON GENOCIDE ACCUSATION

Appearing on NewsNation, USIEA Chairman Bruce Pearl was challenged with claims by Israeli human rights groups accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Bruce pushed back on the suggestion that such groups speak for Israel as a whole. Israel, he explained, is a vibrant democracy much like the United States, with voices across the political spectrum, including people on the far left and far right who make extreme claims. The existence of Israeli critics, he argued, does not establish that their accusations are true. Why It Matters: Israel’s willingness to tolerate fierce criticism is evidence of an open democratic society. Claims as serious as genocide should be judged on the facts, not treated as proven simply because some Israelis make them.​

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September 25, 2026

Fox News
WHAT DOES "FREE PALESTINE" REALLY MEAN?

Appearing on Fox News’ OutKick, USIEA Chairman Bruce Pearl pointed to a history too often forgotten: Jewish communities that had lived across the Middle East and North Africa for centuries were uprooted in the decades surrounding Israel’s creation. Hundreds of thousands of Jews fled or were expelled from countries including Iraq, Egypt, Syria and Yemen, amid persecution, violence and discriminatory laws. That history, Bruce argued, is why he rejects the slogan “Free Palestine”; it implies a Palestine emptied of Jews. “This simply means we’re going to do to the Jews in Palestine like we did to them in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, or Iraq,” he said. Why It Matters: The disappearance of ancient Jewish communities across much of the Middle East is one of the region’s great tragedies. Bruce argues that understanding that history changes how we hear contemporary demands for another part of the Middle East to be made free of Jews.​

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September 22, 2026

RealClear Policy
DEFENDING THE DEFENDER: THE ISRAELI LESSON GOLDEN DOME CANNOT IGNORE

Writing in RealClearPolicy, USIEA Senior Policy Advisor Ari Sacher warns that America’s Golden Dome missile-defense system will itself become a target. Drawing on Israel’s combat experience, he argues that relatively inexpensive drones can disable costly radars, launchers and command centers before they ever have a chance to stop an incoming missile. Sacher offers two concrete recommendations for Congress: create a dedicated “Defending the Defender” initiative within Golden Dome to protect these critical systems, and establish a U.S.-Israel operational learning and demonstration program so America can apply Israel’s battlefield experience. He also calls for every Patriot, THAAD and future Golden Dome battery to have defensive systems of its own.​

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September 15, 2026

USIEA
THE FUTURE IS U.S.-ISRAEL DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP

As Israel looks toward gradually reducing its dependence on U.S. military aid, USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston says the future should be deeper collaboration, not greater distance between the two allies. “We’re not pushing Israel away,” Johnston told JNS. “The United States actually needs to build with Israel, to work with Israel to build our own defense systems.” Johnston pointed to technologies such as Iron Beam and Israel’s advances against drones as examples of capabilities the United States can benefit from developing alongside Israel. Why It Matters: The next chapter of the U.S.-Israel alliance can increasingly be about what the two countries build together, combining American resources with Israeli battlefield-tested innovation.​

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September 2, 2026

JNS
IMAGINE IF USIEA HAD NEVER EXISTED

In a glowing 15th-anniversary profile, JNS looks back at USIEA’s record of turning congressional education into concrete U.S.-Israel cooperation, from early support for Iron Dome and Arrow 3 to new initiatives in missile defense and life sciences. Why It Matters: USIEA Board Chairman Bruce Pearl put the stakes in stark terms. “Let’s say USIEA never existed. Congress doesn’t take that trip to Israel, and Cantor doesn’t go back and quadruple the funding for Iron Dome,” he told JNS. Without Iron Dome, rockets from Gaza could have killed thousands and triggered a far wider conflict. Pearl also emphasized the “E” in USIEA: “The founding of our organization has been trying to educate congressional leaders, which I think is essential. I think we do it as well as anybody.”​

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August 27, 2026

USIEA
HEATHER JOHNSTON DEFENDS ISRAEL AGAINST VANCE'S CHARGES

During an interview with Joe Rogan, Vice President JD Vance blamed members of the Israeli government for trying to undermine his negotiations with Iran and prolong the conflict. He also accused Israeli interests of funding a campaign against him and said those responsible could “go to hell.” His remarks shifted responsibility toward Israel even as President Trump blamed Iran for renewed hostilities. Why It Matters: Iran, not Israel, has repeatedly rejected compromise and escalated attacks against the United States and its allies. USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston responded that Americans who support America’s greatest ally “are taking notes and won’t forget where JD Vance stood when the U.S.-Israel relationship needed him.”​

 

July 15, 2026

NewsMax
E.J. KIMBALL WARNS AGAINST TRUSTING IRAN'S RHETORIC

USIEA Policy Director E.J. Kimball joined Newsmax to discuss the latest developments in negotiations with Iran, cautioning viewers not to mistake Tehran's rhetoric for genuine confidence. Kimball argued that much of Iran's public posture is political theater aimed at domestic and international audiences, while the regime remains unwilling to make the concessions necessary for a meaningful agreement. He emphasized that sustained pressure, not promises, is what ultimately influences Tehran's behavior. Why It Matters: Negotiations succeed only when backed by credible leverage. Iran's history of stalling and refusing meaningful concessions demonstrates why pressure and verification must remain at the center of any diplomatic effort.​

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July 9, 2026

USIEA
WHY CONGRESS NEEDS TO VISIT JUDEA AND SAMARIA

USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston joined the Shoulder to Shoulder podcast to explain why senior Members of Congress need firsthand exposure to Judea and Samaria. Johnston emphasized that the region is not disputed territory, but the biblical and historical heartland of the Jewish people and a critical part of Israel’s security landscape. She highlighted USIEA’s role as the first organization to bring Members of Congress into Judea and Samaria, helping lawmakers meet Israeli leaders and residents, see the realities on the ground, and make better-informed decisions in Washington. Why It Matters: Policy is strongest when it is grounded in truth, history, and firsthand experience. USIEA’s congressional tours help American leaders understand why Judea and Samaria remain central to Israel’s past, present, and future.

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July 6, 2026

USIEA
TRUMP MIGHT ARM ERDOGAN'S TURKEY DESPITE THREATS TO ISRAEL, GREECE AND CYPRUS

Reports indicate that the Trump administration is considering selling advanced fighter jet engines to Turkey, even as President Erdogan has deepened ties with Hamas and Russia while threatening American allies including Israel, Greece, and Cyprus. USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston criticized the proposal, warning that "rewarding shady actors while sidelining our strategic partners is a major mistake that only puts our national security at risk." Why It Matters: The United States has spent years strengthening partnerships with Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and Abraham Accords countries. Supplying advanced military technology to an increasingly hostile Turkey could weaken those relationships and undermine America's most dependable friends in the Eastern Mediterranean.​

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June 26, 2026

Tablet Magazine
IS ISRAEL MORE LIKE A NATIVE AMERICAN RESERVATION THAN AN APARTHEID STATE?

USIEA Communications Director and Indiana University research fellow Jonah Cohen published a new essay in Tablet Magazine challenging the claim that Israel is an apartheid state. Drawing on American Indian law and the history of tribal sovereignty, Cohen argues that critics misunderstand both Israel and the United States, suggesting that Israel bears a closer resemblance to a Native American reservation: a small indigenous homeland designed to preserve a vulnerable people and their culture. Why It Matters: Much of the debate over Israel's legitimacy depends on how the Jewish state is understood. If Israel is viewed not as a colonial project but as a protected indigenous homeland, many of the assumptions behind the apartheid analogy begin to unravel.​

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June 17, 2026

USIEA
HEATHER JOHNSTON WARNS AGAINST STRAINING U.S.-ISRAEL TIES

USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston released a statement urging Americans to assess the newly announced Iran memorandum of understanding with caution. Johnston noted Iran's long history of supporting terrorism and threatening America and Israel, while emphasizing that the U.S.-Israel relationship remains America's most reliable alliance in the Middle East. She also warned that public comments dismissing Israel's security concerns undermine a partnership that has served American interests for decades. Why It Matters: The debate over Iran is not simply about diplomacy. It is also about preserving the trust and cooperation that made the Abraham Accords possible. USIEA will continue reviewing the agreement and working with American leaders to ensure that support for Israel remains at the center of U.S. policy.​

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June 18, 2026

Zoom Webinar
INSIDE THE IRAN CONFLICT WITH AMBASSADOR MICHAEL LEITER AND HEATHER JOHNS

USIEA continues to bring its members into the highest levels of political and diplomatic leadership. In this recent webinar, our supporters heard directly from Israeli Ambassador Michael Leiter, who joined from a meeting room amid his demanding schedule. In conversation with Heather Johnston, the discussion explored how the conflict with Iran is reshaping Israel’s security, the regional balance of power, and the strategic position of the United States. If you missed this vital briefing, you can watch the full recording here. Why It Matters: In fast-moving crises like this, secondhand summaries are often incomplete or misleading. Hearing directly from a sitting ambassador provides context and strategic insight that rarely reach the public.

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March 19, 2026

NewsNation
PROSPECTS FOR CHANGE IN IRAN

USIEA Policy Director EJ Kimball joined NewsNation to discuss what it would take for the Iranian people to seize control of their country amid the ongoing conflict. Kimball pointed out that while many Iranians oppose the regime, the security apparatus that protects it must first be weakened before meaningful political change becomes possible. “When the time is right, they can go and seize control,” he said, adding that the regime’s security forces “need to be degraded further.” Why It Matters: Kimball’s analysis highlights a central reality of authoritarian regimes, namely, public discontent alone rarely brings change while security forces remain intact. His comments underscore that weakening the regime’s coercive power is likely a prerequisite for any successful popular movement inside Iran.

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March 9, 2026

Washington Times
IRAN PROTESTS RAISE HOPE. THE AFTERMATH REQUIRES REALISM

In a Washington Times op-ed, USIEA Executive Director Joan Leslie McGill examines what could follow if Iran’s regime were to fall. While supporting the courage of Iranian protesters, she cautions against assuming that regime collapse would automatically lead to democracy or stability. McGill outlines possible post-regime scenarios and stresses that Iran’s power structures, ideology, and regional ambitions would not disappear overnight. Why it matters: McGill’s analysis pairs moral clarity with strategic realism. Supporting the Iranian people requires honesty about what comes next, careful policy planning, and sustained pressure to prevent chaos, extremism, or renewed repression from filling the vacuum.​

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January 25, 2026

USIEA
APPROPRIATIONS BILL'S REPORT CALLING FOR ABRAHAM ACCORDS FDA BUREAU GOES TO A FULL HOUSE VOTE ON SEPT 29 

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 (H.R. 4368) is reported to be put to a vote on Friday, September 29th on the House Floor.

September 27, 2023

i24 News
USIEA WORKS TO BOLSTER U.S.-ISRAELI RELATIONS

"How the US is looking to redirect the American pharmaceutical supply chain away from China to Israel and its new trade partners in the Middle East."
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October 26, 2021

USIEA
HEATHER JOHNSTON RESPONDS TO JD VANCE ON ISRAEL

After Vice President JD Vance said the United States “cannot let our Middle Eastern foreign policy be subservient to the State of Israel,” USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston pushed back strongly. “Our U.S. foreign policy has never been subservient to Israel’s foreign policy,” Heather wrote. “Why would he need to say that unless he’s trying to politically gain some points with Israel haters?” Heather added that America can put its own interests first while standing confidently alongside one of its closest allies: “We are the superpower of the world. A presidential candidate of the USA should have the experience and the confidence to stand with one of our greatest allies in the world without hesitation. Unafraid.” Why It Matters: Debate over Israel is increasingly shaping American politics. Heather’s message is that an independent U.S. foreign policy and a strong U.S.-Israel alliance are not competing principles.​

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September 15, 2026

USIEA
THE UN MUST ANSWER FOR ITS FALSE GAZA FAMINE CLAIMS

A year ago, a UN-backed food-security assessment declared that parts of Gaza were experiencing famine, a finding quickly embraced by senior UN officials. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher called the evidence “irrefutable.” Now, new UNICEF survey data paints a very different picture. “The UN owes the American public an explanation and accountability,” said USIEA Policy Director EJ Kimball. “People should be fired. It must also confront the entrenched antisemitism that fuels false accusations against the world’s only Jewish state.” Why It Matters: Famine allegations helped shape the world’s perception of Israel during the war. When accusations this consequential are presented as “irrefutable,” the institutions making them must answer when new evidence calls those claims into question.​

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August 26, 2026

USIEA
USIEA FELLOWS CALL FOR NATIONAL STRATEGY TO PROTECT AMERICA'S MEDICINE SUPPLY

Writing in the Journal of the Academy of Public Health, USIEA Fellows Peter J. Pitts and Cathy McMorris Rodgers argue that America needs to move beyond simply bringing pharmaceutical manufacturing back home. They call for a National Pharmaceutical Resilience Strategy combining critical domestic production with advanced manufacturing, stronger supply-chain safeguards and diversified partnerships with trusted allies. The authors specifically highlight the Abraham Accords as a model for building pharmaceutical networks among trusted partners with complementary scientific, manufacturing, regulatory and logistical capabilities. Why It Matters: America’s medicine supply is a national security issue, and working with trusted partners such as Israel can make it less vulnerable to disruption and dependence on hostile countries.​

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August 19, 2026

USIEA
SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL SHOULD NEVER BE PARTISAN

After 103 House Democrats voted to eliminate $3.3 billion in U.S. security assistance to Israel, the House overwhelmingly rejected the measure by a vote of 314-104. In response, USIEA issued a statement urging lawmakers to keep support for Israel above partisan politics, calling the alliance both an American strategic interest and a moral commitment. Why It Matters: The vote demonstrated that strong bipartisan support for Israel remains the majority position in Congress. At the same time, the number of lawmakers willing to cut off security assistance underscores the growing political challenges facing one of America's closest allies. USIEA believes the U.S.-Israel partnership should remain a matter of national interest, not partisan division.​

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July 16, 2026

Fox News
AMERICA AND ISRAEL SHARE MORE THAN ALLIANCE

In a new Fox News op-ed, USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston explains that the U.S.-Israel relationship is far deeper than military cooperation or diplomatic convenience. Tracing America's founding ideals to the Hebrew Bible and the covenantal tradition embraced by the Puritans and the Founding Fathers, Johnston points out that the alliance between the two nations rests on shared moral foundations that long predate the modern State of Israel. She also explains that America's support for Israel is not simply strategic, but an expression of the principles that shaped the American experiment itself. Why It Matters: As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Johnston reminds readers that the U.S.-Israel relationship was never intended to be merely transactional. It endures because both nations draw from a shared tradition of liberty, covenant, and moral responsibility under God.

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July 1, 2026

USIEA
THE FUTURE OF THE U.S.-ISRAEL ALLIANCE

USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston joined the Shoulder to Shoulder podcast to discuss the enduring strength of the U.S.-Israel relationship, the importance of educating American leaders, and the need to prepare the next generation of Christian supporters of Israel. Johnston reflected on USIEA's work taking members of Congress to Israel, helping build support for the Iron Dome missile defense system, and strengthening biblical literacy about Israel in churches and seminaries. Why It Matters: Johnston reminds listeners that lasting support for Israel cannot be taken for granted. It must be cultivated through education, strong relationships, and a clear understanding of the shared values and strategic interests that bind America and Israel together.

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June 30, 2026

PragerU
BRUCE PEARL TALKS FAITH, MENTORSHIP, AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

USIEA Chairman Bruce Pearl joined PragerU CEO Marissa Streit for a wide-ranging discussion about fatherhood, coaching, faith, and the challenges facing young Americans. Pearl also reflected on his decision to speak out publicly in support of Israel, recalled visiting Yad Vashem, and warned against the rise of antisemitism and foreign influence on American campuses. Throughout the conversation, he argued that young people are searching for purpose and that mentors, families, and faith communities have an obligation to help guide them. Why It Matters: At a time when many young Americans feel isolated, discouraged, or adrift, Pearl offers a hopeful message: strong families, engaged mentors, faith communities, and a renewed belief in the American dream can still help young people flourish.​

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May 27, 2026

USIEA
THE PALESTINIANS HAD THEIR CHANCE. NOW IT'S ISRAEL'S TURN

USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston shared a video of former President Bill Clinton reflecting on the Camp David negotiations. Clinton recalled that Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat was offered a state in Gaza and nearly all of Judea and Samaria but rejected the proposal. Clinton attests that the opportunity for Palestinian statehood was real, yet Arafat chose not to accept it. Why It Matters: As debate grows over the future of Judea and Samaria, Clinton's comments serve as a reminder that the Palestinians were already given an opportunity to build a state there and turned it down. Many now argue that after decades of rejectionism and the horrors of October 7, it is time to stop treating Palestinian statehood as the only possible future for the territory and give Israel the opportunity to build and develop it instead.​

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June 7, 2026

Real News Talk
ESCALATING U.S.-IRAN CONLICT

USIEA Executive Director Joan Leslie McGill joined Real News Talk to discuss the escalating confrontation with Iran. McGill praised the administration's efforts to strengthen Israel and America's Gulf allies while warning that Iran's leaders have consistently refused meaningful concessions on their nuclear program. She argued that economic pressure and regional deterrence remain important tools, but cautioned that any strategy must remain focused on the ultimate objective: preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Why It Matters: Military operations, sanctions, and diplomacy are all means to an end. McGill emphasized that the real measure of success is whether Iran's nuclear ambitions are ultimately dismantled rather than merely delayed.​

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May 5, 2026

Rabbi For America Podcast
CHRISTIAN EXPERT EXPOSES TUCKER'S VIEW ON ISRAEL

USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston joined Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch to discuss Christian support for Israel, the U.S.-Israel alliance, and the future of missile defense cooperation. Johnston reflected on how early congressional trips organized by USIEA helped expand support for Iron Dome funding years before the system became widely known. The conversation also explored the deeper roots of Christian Zionism and Johnston’s decades-long commitment to strengthening ties between America and Israel. Why It Matters: This conversation highlights the deeper historical and moral roots of support for Israel, while also offering a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes work USIEA has done for years to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship.​

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May 10, 2026

NTD News
STRATEGIC POWER OF THE U.S.-ISRAEL COORDINATION

Heather Johnston joined NTD News to discuss the recent developments in the conflict with Iran. Johnston explained that recent successes were made possible by an unusually close level of cooperation between the United States and Israel, including intelligence sharing, coordinated operational planning, and complementary military capabilities. Why It Matters: Johnston’s perspective reflects years of work by USIEA bringing American and Israeli political and defense experts together to deepen understanding of the region’s strategic landscape. That experience helps illuminate how close U.S.–Israel coordination shapes events on the ground and why the alliance remains central to confronting Iran and its proxy network.​

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March 4, 2026

Fox News
LEGENDARY AUBURN COACH BRUCE PEARL BACKS TRUMP ON IRAN STRIKES

Bruce Pearl was featured in a glowing profile on Fox News, where the chairman of USIEA offered a historical view of the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Pearl argued that years of diplomatic concessions empowered Tehran and its proxy network, while decisive action helps restore deterrence. He explained the moment as a test of leadership, praising the willingness of the United States and Israel to confront a regime that has targeted Americans and destabilized the region for decades. Why It Matters: As chairman of USIEA, Pearl’s perspective reflects the organization’s mission of educating American leaders about the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel and the stakes involved in confronting the Iranian regime.

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March 3, 2026

USIEA
CONGRESS INTRODUCES NEW LEGISLATION FOR MIDDLE EAST FDA OFFICE THANKS TO USIEA IMPACT

Today, Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R-TN) and Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA) introduced the United States-Abraham Accords Cooperation and Security Act of 2024, which calls for the establishment of a U.S. FDA Bureau in the Abraham Accords region. The bill already has strong bipartisan support, with Reps. Rick Allen (R-GA), Andy Harris (R-MD), Mike Levin (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), and Randy Weber (R-TX) signed on as original co-sponsors.

April 13, 2024

The Jerusalem Post
GIVING CONGRESS A NEW PERSPECTIVE JUDEA AND SAMARIA

"When we go through the West Bank we give the whole situation a fair hearing," Heather Johnston said. "There's not a Republican or Democrat that would feel uncomfortable on one of USIEA's trips to Israel."

March 8, 2019

USIEA
BUILD ON THE UAE'S BLUEPRINT FOR PEACE

USIEA Chairman Bruce Pearl praised UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed (MBZ) for confronting radicalism and choosing peace, coexistence and cooperation with Israel. “MBZ and the UAE give us a blueprint for deradicalization, reeducation and peace through prosperity,” Bruce wrote. Rather than relying on appeasement or failed international approaches, he argued, the United States should work with the UAE and Israel to build on the Abraham Accords and expand their model of regional peace. Why It Matters: The Abraham Accords demonstrated that Arab-Israeli relations do not have to remain trapped in permanent conflict. Bruce believes the UAE offers a practical model for a different Middle East, built on confronting extremism, economic opportunity, and cooperation with Israel.​

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September 28, 2026

Washington Examiner
IT'S TIME TO END THE UNITED NATIONS

Writing in the Washington Examiner, USIEA Executive Director Joan Leslie McGill argues that the United Nations has strayed so far from its founding principles that reform is no longer enough. She points to scandals, institutional failures, and a persistent double standard against Israel. From 2015 to 2024 alone, the General Assembly adopted 173 resolutions against Israel compared with 80 against every other country combined. McGill makes the bold case that the institution has outlived its usefulness, concluding that “the U.N. should be dissolved.” Why It Matters: McGill challenges us to ask whether an institution claiming to uphold universal principles can retain its credibility while repeatedly singling out the Jewish state.​

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September 23, 2026

Washington Examiner
AMERICA ISN'T ISRAEL'S PUPPET. IT'S EUROPE'S GUARD DOG

Writing in the Washington Examiner, USIEA Policy Director EJ Kimball responds to Vice President JD Vance’s recent comments about America’s alliances. Kimball agrees with Vance that U.S. foreign policy must put American interests first, but shows that Israel is a poor example of an ally taking advantage of Washington. Instead, he contrasts Israel with European allies that have depended far more heavily on American military protection. Why It Matters: The debate over “America First” and Israel often begins with the assumption that supporting Israel is a burden on the United States. Kimball challenges that premise and shows that the real question should be which alliances make America stronger and which leave America carrying too much of the load.​

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September 18, 2026

USIEA
HEATHER JOHNSTON REMEMBERS CHARLIE KIRK ONE YEAR LATER

On the first anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s murder, USIEA Founder and President Heather Johnston remembered his commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and the principles he believed bound the two nations together. “Charlie Kirk understood that the U.S.-Israel alliance is more than a strategic partnership,” she said. “It is a relationship rooted in shared values, security, and a commitment to defending freedom. May his legacy of courage and conviction continue to inspire others to stand for truth.” Why It Matters: Charlie Kirk used his extraordinary reach among young Americans to make support for Israel part of a larger conversation about faith, freedom, and America’s role in the world. His death makes the work of educating the next generation about the U.S.-Israel relationship all the more important.​

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September 10, 2026

NewsMax
IRAN SANCTIONS COULD STRENGTHEN REGIONAL ALLIANCES

USIEA Executive Director Joan Leslie McGill joined NEWSMAX to discuss the Trump administration’s plans to dramatically increase economic pressure on Iran. McGill argued that tougher sanctions could have an important regional effect, bringing the United States and its Middle Eastern allies closer together around the shared threat posed by Tehran. But she emphasized that the real test will be where the economic pain falls. For sanctions to succeed, McGill said, they must put sufficient pressure on Iran’s leadership rather than simply inflicting greater hardship on the Iranian people. Why It Matters: A more isolated Iran could help accelerate the emerging alignment between the United States, Israel and Arab states that see Tehran as a common threat.​

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August 25, 2026

USIEA
JOAN LESLIE GOES VIRAL DEFENDING THE U.S.-ISRAEL ALLIANCE

USIEA Executive Director Joan Leslie McGill engaged in a widely shared exchange with online commentator Ana Kasparian after Kasparian portrayed Israel as a country bent on territorial conquest. McGill pointed to Israel’s history of trading land for peace, including its return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt and its withdrawal from Gaza. When Kasparian responded by attacking both Israel and McGill personally, McGill brought the discussion back to the facts: “The U.S.-Israel alliance isn’t based on sentiment, it’s based on results.” She highlighted decades of cooperation in intelligence, counterterrorism, missile defense, military innovation, medicine, cybersecurity, AI, agriculture and water technology. Why It Matters: The exchange illustrates two competing ways of talking about Israel. One relies on sweeping accusations and personal attacks. The other asks a straightforward question: What does the U.S.-Israel partnership actually deliver? On intelligence, defense, technology and innovation, the answer is substantial benefits for both countries.​

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August 4, 2026

NewsMax
IRAN HAS OVERPLAYED ITS HAND

As fighting between the United States and Iran resumed and reports emerged of an Iranian plot to assassinate President Donald Trump, USIEA Executive Director Joan Leslie McGill joined Newsmax to discuss the rapidly changing situation. McGill said Iran has spent decades acting as the Middle East's bully by funding terrorism, threatening its neighbors, and destabilizing the region. She argued that this time, however, Tehran has overplayed its hand, provoking a level of American resolve that could ultimately take down the regime. Why It Matters: For decades, Iran has relied on intimidation, proxy warfare, and escalation to expand its influence. By finally pushing its aggression too far, the regime risks uniting its adversaries and accelerating its own strategic decline.​

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July 9, 2026

NewsNation
THE STAKES OF IRAN NEGOTIATIONS 

USIEA Policy Director E.J. Kimball joined NewsNation to discuss the Trump administration's negotiations with Iran, arguing that any agreement must permanently eliminate Iran's nuclear program rather than simply delay it. Kimball noted that the president is right to keep negotiations flexible, but stressed that if diplomacy fails to achieve that objective, military action must remain on the table. He also observed that with global oil markets stabilizing, Tehran's negotiating leverage is weaker than many assume. Why It Matters: A durable agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, not merely postpone the threat. Effective diplomacy is strongest when backed by credible leverage and a willingness to pursue other options if negotiations fall short.

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July 1, 2026

Fox News
HEATHER JOHNSTON URGES SKEPTICISM ON IRAN DEAL

Heather Johnston spoke with Fox News Digital following the announcement of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, cautioning that any agreement must be judged by whether it strengthens America's alliance with Israel and advances regional security. Johnston noted that Iran's long history of sponsoring terrorism and threatening Israel gives Americans every reason to approach the deal with caution. "Iran's long record of supporting terrorism and threatening Israel gives Americans ample reason to assess this agreement carefully and skeptically. Any diplomacy with Iran should be measured against whether it advances or undermines that progress," Johnston said. Why It Matters: Diplomacy is only successful if it makes America and its allies safer. Johnston argues that any agreement with Iran should reinforce—not weaken—the U.S.-Israel partnership and the broader gains achieved through the Abraham Accords.

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June 30, 2026

The Scott Jennings Show
BRUCE PEARL RESPONDS TO NEWSOM

USIEA Chairman Bruce Pearl pushed back on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s description of Israel as an “apartheid state” and his criticism of the country’s handling of Hamas. Jennings and Pearl pointed out that Newsom’s comments treated Hamas and Iran as separate problems, when in reality Hamas functions as a client of Iran and part of Tehran’s broader campaign against Israel. Pearl also pointed to the contrast in leadership between Newsom and Netanyahu, observing that Israeli leaders across the political spectrum have largely united behind the effort to confront Hamas and its Iranian sponsors. Why It Matters: Hamas cannot be understood apart from Iran. Viewing Hamas as an isolated problem risks overlooking the regional network that sustains it and the central role Tehran plays in the conflict.​

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