WASHINGTON, D.C. - America First Legal (AFL) has taken action against President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, filing a First Amended Complaint to enforce the Taylor Force Act and halt U.S. funding of Palestinian terrorism. The complaint centers on the Biden Administration's alleged illegal reversal of the Trump Administration's ban on Palestinian funding, resulting in the expenditure of significant sums of U.S. tax dollars towards entities supporting terrorism.
The amended complaint asserts that the Biden Administration knowingly subsidized the Palestinian Authority's "pay-to-slay" bounty system, the expansion of Hamas's military capabilities, and the United Nations Relief Works Agency's material support for Palestinian terrorism. Reed D. Rubinstein, AFL Senior Vice President, highlighted the administration's actions, stating, "The Administration knew that UNRWA and the PA were both corrupt and facilitated, supported, and celebrated Palestinian terrorism."
Evidence presented in the complaint suggests that the Biden Administration was well aware of the implications of its spending decisions. Internal emails from the Department of State reportedly show that the administration waived anti-terrorism regulations, acknowledging a "high risk" that Hamas could benefit from the allocated funds.
Furthermore, the complaint addresses the diversion of aid funds to Hamas, with allegations that U.S. intelligence agencies were cognizant of the increased flow of aid into Gaza and the West Bank contributing to Hamas's offensive capabilities.
Apart from the financial implications, the complaint also points towards a broader anti-Israel agenda by the Biden Administration. It alleges interference in Israeli elections and domestic affairs, as well as efforts to undermine previous policies, such as the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital city.
AFL represents key individuals in this case, including the parents of Taylor Force, a victim of Palestinian terrorism, a survivor of a Hamas attack, and Congressman Dr. Ronny Jackson. Rubinstein emphasized the consequences of the Biden Administration's actions, stating, "The October 7 atrocities were, in part, a natural, ordinary, and predictable consequence of Biden’s illegal, irrational, and disgraceful policies."
The filing of the First Amended Complaint marks a significant development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding U.S. funding in the Middle East, with AFL striving to hold the Biden Administration accountable for its alleged violations of the Taylor Force Act.