US House advances bill to withhold federal funds from universities boycotting Israel

The US House of Representatives has advanced legislation that would withhold federal funding from universities that boycott Israel. The bill secured support from 33 Democrats alongside the majority of Republican lawmakers. Democratic party leadership has expressed opposition to the measure. Critics, including some Democratic leaders, have raised concerns regarding free speech protections. Furthermore, opponents argue that the bill fails to differentiate between Israel and settlements, a point that has fueled ongoing debate within Congress.