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Scott Bessent on Israel

Pro-Israel economic engagement (moderate)

TL;DR

Scott Bessent supports strong US-Israel ties and actively opposes international efforts to boycott or economically isolate the nation.

Key Points

Met with Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich in October 2025 to reaffirm strong United States-Israel ties.
Encouraged Minister Smotrich to fully embrace the then-President's peace deal and noted potential for expanding the Abraham Accords.
Was called upon by multiple members of Congress to enforce Section 999 of the Internal Revenue Code against foreign boycotts of Israel.

Summary

Scott Bessent, in his capacity as Treasury Secretary, has actively engaged with Israeli counterparts, specifically meeting with Minister Bezalel Smotrich to reaffirm the strong relationship between the two nations. During this engagement, he encouraged the Israeli minister to embrace a landmark peace deal and recognized the potential for expanding the Abraham Accords. The Secretary has also taken action regarding international economic pressures that might affect Israel. He publicly stated that a temporary waiver allowing India to purchase Russian oil was a measure to counter "Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage."

Furthermore, Bessent has been urged by members of Congress to enforce US law against foreign boycotts targeting Israel, specifically concerning a proposal in Ireland that aimed to prohibit imports from territories under Israeli administration. This indicates his administration's focus on enforcing existing legislation, like the Ribicoff Amendment, which reflects a bipartisan commitment to opposing foreign boycotts against friendly nations, particularly Israel. His official statements and actions thus center on maintaining strong bilateral economic security while actively working against measures that seek to isolate Israel economically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scott Bessent's position on the relationship between the US and Israel?

Scott Bessent has publicly reaffirmed the strong ties between the United States and Israel. As Treasury Secretary, he met with his Israeli counterpart to underscore this close relationship. He also noted the great potential for expanding the existing Abraham Accords during that meeting.

Has Scott Bessent taken action against international efforts to boycott Israel?

Yes, the Treasury Secretary has been urged by members of Congress to enforce US law against foreign boycotts targeting Israel. This legal framework, the Ribicoff Amendment, reflects a bipartisan commitment to opposing economic isolation efforts against friendly nations like Israel.

What did Scott Bessent say about a waiver impacting Iranian oil markets?

Scott Bessent stated that a temporary waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil was intended to counter Iran's attempt to destabilize global energy markets. This statement links US economic policy directly to the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran and Israel.