Congressman David Schweikert, R-Ariz., introduced a bill Wednesday that would divert $6 billion in Iranian funds to Israel if passed into law.
The United States and Qatar governments agreed to no longer allow Iran to access the $6 billion that was part of a prisoner swap agreement, according to The Washington Post on Thursday. Schweikert's bill, which is dubbed the "Fortify Israel Act", was introduced prior to that development, but it takes the extra step of helping Israel's military efforts instead.
“With each passing hour, the details of the barbaric and unconscionable assault against Israel coordinated by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists become increasingly horrific,” Schweikert said in a statement.
“The United States must stand firmly and offer unwavering support to our strongest ally in the Middle East by any means necessary. This legislation ensures any current or future foreign assets frozen by the Treasury Department, including the $6 billion in Iranian funds recently unfrozen, be used to support Israel's right to defend itself. The Iranian regime and other state sponsors of terrorism can no longer be permitted to fund Hamas’ terrorist activities against the people of Israel," he continued.