Leahy Law
29 Articles
Why Palestinian Families Are Suing the State Department for Failing to Enforce the Leahy Law
The plaintiffs in Amal Gaza, et al v. Secretary Antony Blinken, et al have a single demand of the State Department: obey the law.
The US State Department Should Prioritize the Human Rights Reporting Gateway
The Human Rights Reporting Gateway can help the State Department enforce the Leahy law by providing key information from NGOs and victims.
A Model Leahy Law Legal Memo on Assistance to Israeli Security Forces
A model Department of Defense action memo illustrates what a faithful application of the Leahy law to an alleged gross human rights violation in Israel would look like.
The State Department’s Wrong Decision to Exempt IDF Unit from Leahy Law Ineligibility
Former State Department official critically analyzes State Department's decision to drop Netzah Yehuda unit from Leahy Law sanctions.
The State Department’s Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance: How to Make a Good Thing Better
The State Department's Civilian Harm Incident Response Guidance process is a good start but changes can improve function and transparency.
Israel and the Leahy Law
"For seven and a half years, I served as director of the State Department office that leads Leahy vetting of foreign security units. ... U.S. State Department spokespersons assert…
Key Takeaways from Biden Administration Report on Israeli Use of US Weapons
On Friday, May 10, the Biden administration released its overdue first report required by National Security Memorandum 20 (NSM-20) assessing the conduct of Israel and other foreign…
State Department Submits Key Report to Congress on Israel’s Use of US Weapons
The State Department submitted its NSM-20 report on Israeli assurances that use of U.S. weapons will follow international law.
The Just Security Podcast: A Human Rights Law Returns to Spark Debate on U.S. Arms Sales
Joining the show to unpack how Section 502B works, along with its history and new efforts to use it, is John Chappell.
U.S. Policymakers’ Lessons from Yemen for Gaza
Former Obama officials write: If the White House is serious about protecting Gaza’s civilians, they need to do more than urge that Israel adhere to the law. They must make clear…
Law and Policy Guide to US Arms Transfers to Israel
A guide to the humanitarian law conditions on U.S. arms sales and security assistance to Israel.
Congress Should Pass the SAFEGUARD Act to Overhaul Arms Sales Law and Protect Human Rights
The SAFEGUARD Act provides a pathway for Congress to push for accountability for the violence linked to U.S. arms sales.