CASEY WHALEN: “Israel Influence Op Targets American Legislators”
November 21, 2025 in Columnists, News by RBN Staff
By Casey Whalen
Foreign state actors prepare American representatives, to promote Israel during the next legislative session
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the largest-ever delegation of U.S. lawmakers visiting the Jewish state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jerusalem, Sept. 15, 2025. Photo GPO.
The 50 States, One Israel delegation met in Israel September 14-18, 2025. This contingent consisted of 250 state legislators from all fifty states, five Idaho Representatives were also present. House Assistant Majority Leader Josh Tanner, R-Eagle; House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, D-Boise, House Local Government Committee Chairwoman Barbara Ehardt, R-Idaho Falls; House Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee Chairman Bruce Skaug, R-Nampa; and Rep. John Shirts, R-Weiser.
The goal of the 50 States, One Nation delegation is to strengthen bipartisan ties between the U.S. and Israel, provide American state legislators with a firsthand perspective on Israel, and galvanize support for the nation by showcasing its innovation and resilience.
This event was largely organized by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, based out of San Francisco, California. Public records requests conducted over the past few months on each of these representatives have exposed the genesis of this ploy to indoctrinate state legislators, imploring them to pass legislation in favor of the State of Israel.
Influence peddling in the State of Idaho is heavily promoted by the Idaho Israel Alliance.
“The Idaho Israel Alliance is dedicated to combating antisemitism and anti-Zionism across the state of Idaho through a variety of proactive initiatives. Our mission is to foster understanding and strengthen the connection between Idaho and Israel by educating the public about the importance of a safe, secure, and thriving Jewish state. The IIA works closely with community leaders, educators, and organizations to counter negative stereotypes and misinformation about Jews and Israel, while promoting cultural exchange, dialogue, and mutual respect. Through advocacy and partnerships with local and national groups, the Idaho Israel Alliance seeks to create an environment where intolerance is challenged and support for the Jewish community is strengthened throughout the state.”
Emails show ‘the five’ Idaho reps who attended the 50 States, One Nation event, met on numerous occasions with Moshe Herman and Dan Berger of the Idaho Israel Alliance. As the below newsletter show an emphasis on persuading reps, to pass legislation favoring Israel.
In fact, one of ‘the five,’Representative Barbara Ehardt attempted to pass RS32552, an anti-Semitism bill, last legislative cycle in Idaho, which failed as shown below.
Jewish Democrat, Representative Ilana Rubel received emails the other four representatives did not, from two organizations. This information completely exposes the game at hand.
An email on July 11, 2025, was sent to Rep. Rubel from Jeff Wice, executive director of the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL), discussing the 50 States, One Israel delegation. Mr. Wice asked Rep. Rubel to suggest names of two or three non-Jewish state legislators, to potentially invite for the upcoming trip to Israel.
The National Association of Jewish Legislators mission;
“NAJL connects Jewish legislators of all religious affiliations, political parties and policy interests across the country to learn from one another and advocate for our common goals.”
The NAJL focus on these policy issues according to the website.
American-Israel Policy
Church State Relations
Anti-BDS Legislation
Holocaust Assets & Education
Antisemitism
Interfaith Relations
Civility in Government
Civil Rights & Voting Rights
Another organization that sent an email specifically to Rep. Rubel was from Eli Berne, State Director of Government Relations at the Jewish Federations of North America (wikipedia), who sent Rubel talking points on how to mitigate the backlash she, and other legislators faced after returning from Israel to a relatively upset constituency.
Representative Ilana Rubel posted on Facebook after returning from the 50 States, One Israel delegation.
Emails to Democratic Party Chair, Lauren Necochea, show backlash from within the Democrat Party about Rep. Rubel’s decision to participate in the 50 States, One Nation trip.
The blowback didn’t end there, Rubel received numerous email’s from constituents condemning her choice to participate in the delegation and visit Israel.
Read emails from constituents upset with Rep. Rubel’s participation in the 50 States, One Nation delegation.
Rubel recently received another invite from the Jeff Wice at the National Association of Jewish Legislators to attend the General Assembly on November 16-18 in Washington D.C. It is unknown if the representative will be attending.
This article is in part, a call to action. Here is the proof that foreign actors are influencing state legislators across the country to pass anti-Semitism bills and legislation that favors Israel, this coming legislative cycle. Patriots and those who value America first, need to step-up to the plate and prevent nefarious actors from implementing laws that infringe on our God given rights.
Your friend in the fight for liberty,
Casey Whalen
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