US House passes bill to penalise universities that boycott Israel

The United States House of Representatives has passed a bill that would penalise universities for boycotting Israel or Israeli academic institutions, including some in the occupied West Bank. Lawmakers approved the measure on Thursday by 237 votes to 169, with 33 Democrats joining the Republican majority and two Republicans voting against it. The proposal now moves to the Republican-controlled Senate and would still need President Donald Trump's signature to become law.

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If enacted, the bill would bar universities that boycott an entity licensed, regulated by, or organised under Israeli law from receiving federal funds. The text also requires academic institutions to certify each year that they allow cooperation with Israeli universities. Critics say that could place universities under pressure to maintain ties with institutions in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank in order to keep federal support.

Opponents of the measure argue that it raises serious First Amendment concerns because it conditions public funding on the suppression of protected political activity. Jenin Younes, president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, said the Supreme Court has made clear that the government cannot tie funding to the suppression of First Amendment-protected conduct, and that boycotts are recognised as such activity. Rights groups have also said the bill infringes on freedom of speech for the benefit of a foreign state.

The vote comes amid broader debate in the United States over support for Israel and the legal status of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The International Court of Justice ruled in 2024 that Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have been established and maintained in violation of international law. That ruling has continued to shape criticism of measures that could affect universities' dealings with institutions in those areas.

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The legislation also lands at a time when public opinion in the United States has become more divided over Israel. A Pew Research Center survey in July found that 62% of Americans held an unfavourable view of the Israeli government. Despite that, support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government remains strong in Congress, where the bill advanced with substantial bipartisan backing.

What happens next depends on the Senate, where the measure must clear another vote before reaching the White House. It is not yet clear whether the bill will retain its current language or face amendments during the legislative process. If it does advance, the debate is likely to focus on the balance between anti-boycott policy, federal funding rules and constitutional free speech protections.

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