Kevin Hern

In March 2024, Hern sponsored H.Res. 1092, a bipartisan resolution recognizing the U.S.- Israel economic relationship, expressing support for Israel's economy following Hamas's October 7 attack, and affirming the role of the U.S.-Israel Free Trade Agreement. The

House resolution was referred to the Foreign Affairs and Ways and Means Committees and did not receive a floor vote.

In May 2024, Hern criticized the Biden administration's decision to withhold a shipment of weapons to Israel. He said the decision endangered Israel's security and Americans held hostage by Hamas and argued that the United States should continue supporting Israel as it faced attacks from Iran-backed terrorist groups.

In February 2026, Hern supported U.S. strikes on Iran and said the Iranian regime must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. He argued that Iran had refused a negotiated deal and continued pursuing nuclear capabilities while supporting terrorist proxies.

Hern was an original cosponsor of H.R. 6114, the Maximum Pressure Act, introduced in October 2023 by Representative Jim Banks. The bill proposed extensive sanctions on Iran and stated a U.S. policy of denying Iran all paths to a nuclear weapon, including permanently and verifiably eliminating enrichment capabilities. The bill was referred to House committees and did not pass Congress.

During Hamas rocket attacks in May 2021, Hern said Hamas was deliberately targeting Israeli civilians while Israel was targeting Hamas terrorists. He reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself and described Hamas as a Tehran-backed terrorist organization. After Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in October 2024, Hern called Sinwar's death a significant blow against terrorism and a step toward justice. He said Israel had his full support as it continued its campaign to destroy Hamas.

On the first anniversary of the October 7 attack, Hern described it as the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. He recounted Hamas's rocket fire and attacks on civilians, called for the United States to stand firmly with Israel, and urged that every remaining hostage be brought home.

Hern voted for H.Res. 966, a House resolution condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas on and since October 7 and calling for accountability for perpetrators. The House agreed to the resolution 418-0 in February 2024.

Hern voted for H.R. 6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023. The bill would have required the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism when investigating certain discrimination complaints in federally funded education programs. It passed the House 320-91 in May 2024 but did not pass the Senate.

In August 2023, Hern condemned what he described as antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric from Democratic members of Congress. He said antisemitism should not be tolerated in Congress and reaffirmed support for Israel's right to exist and defend itself.

Hern's vote for the Antisemitism Awareness Act supported requiring the Department of Education to consider the IHRA working definition of antisemitism when investigating discrimination complaints in federally funded education programs, including higher education. The bill passed the House in 2024 but did not become law.

On the first anniversary of October 7, Hern said American college campuses had become platforms for people sympathizing with terrorists and spreading antisemitic hate. He called for continued U.S. resolve against those seeking Israel's destruction.

In May 2026, the Jewish Federation of Tulsa's public-affairs director wrote that Hern's staff met with Jewish community representatives in Washington during a Jewish Federations of North America security advocacy fly-in. The account said Hern's office acknowledged the seriousness of threats facing Jewish institutions and was prepared to advocate for the community.

Hern voted for H.R. 8282, the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act, which proposed sanctions on foreign persons who assisted certain International Criminal Court investigations, arrests, detentions, or prosecutions involving protected U.S. persons and allies. The bill passed the House 247-155 in June 2024 but did not pass the Senate. In November 2024, after the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hern called the warrants reckless and said the ICC lacked credibility. He argued that Israel's defense against Iran and its proxies should not be undermined and said the United States stood with Israel.

In May 2026, a Jewish Federation of Tulsa official described meeting with staff from Hern's congressional office in Washington during a national Jewish-community security advocacy fly-in. The official wrote that Hern's office understood the community's concerns about antisemitic threats and indicated a willingness to support the community.