Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has issued a memo that pauses Defense Department support for congressional travel to Israel right now and restricts visits by defense and military leaders.The memo, dated October 31, is meant to discourage 'combat tourism,' according to defense officials. The military is already doing so much in the area that there's no reason for additional military aircraft to bring in anything non-essential, officials said.
Members of Congress may still travel to Israel but must do so without using Defense Department resources. Punchbowl News first reported the existence of the memo. The defense secretary or chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff must approve any visits to Israel by senior Pentagon leaders who are not involved in providing support to Israel. Defense officials say that aid is being flown into Israel nearly every day.