MEF Director Gregg Roman Testifies on Iranian Influence Operations on US Campuses at Israeli Knesset

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Gregg Roman, Director of the Middle East Forum, delivered compelling testimony before the Knesset yesterday, outlining strategies to fortify the US-Israel alliance against emerging threats.

In his address, Roman highlighted the multifaceted challenges facing the 75-year partnership between the two nations. He identified efforts to undermine this relationship across political, strategic, commercial, and academic spheres, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach.

"There are practical tools that can be used at both the state level and at the non-state level to not just try to strengthen the relationship between our two countries, but also to try to fight back and take the offensive rather than just defensive stance against all the threats which pose to the relationship," Roman stated.

Key points from Roman's testimony include:

1. The necessity of addressing foreign influence operations targeting both nations

2. Strategies for countering anti-Israel activities on US college campuses

3. The importance of joint US-Israel offensive capabilities in cybersecurity and intelligence

4. Proposals for supporting opposition groups in adversarial states to counter threats

Roman advocated for a shift from purely defensive measures to a more proactive stance, citing historical collaborations like Operation Olympic Games as examples of successful joint initiatives.

"The answer has to be one in which the United States and Israel, as it has had a history over the past 50 years, to have its joint offensive capabilities to try to negate these efforts," Roman emphasized.

Roman’s testimony underscored the critical importance of preserving and enhancing the US-Israel alliance in the face of evolving global challenges.