Republican Congressman Warns of ‘Serious’ National Security Threat

Republican chair of the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee Mike Turner during a session in September 2021. (Reuters)
Republican chair of the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee Mike Turner during a session in September 2021. (Reuters)
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Republican Congressman Warns of ‘Serious’ National Security Threat

Republican chair of the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee Mike Turner during a session in September 2021. (Reuters)
Republican chair of the US House of Representatives Intelligence Committee Mike Turner during a session in September 2021. (Reuters)

Representative Mike Turner, Republican chair of the US House of Representatives intelligence committee, has issued a statement warning of a "serious national security threat."

"I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat," Turner said Wednesday.

He said he was making information on the matter available in a secure location to all members of the House in accordance with chamber rules.

Two sources familiar with the matter and a US official told CNN the threat is related to Russia.

ABC News first reported that the intelligence related to a Russian space-based nuclear capability.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said he was “surprised” that Turner had made the existence of the intelligence public, noting that he was already scheduled to brief the top Republican and Democratic leaders of the House on Thursday.

“We scheduled a briefing for the House members of the Gang of Eight tomorrow,” Sullivan said. “That’s been on the books. So I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today in advance of a meeting on the books for me to go sit with him alongside our intelligence and defense professionals tomorrow.”



Two British Lawmakers Detained by Israel Return Home, Criticize Decision

A Palestinian flag is pictured during a symbolic funeral procession in solidarity with the people killed in Gaza and the West Bank, in Berlin, Germany, 06 April 2025. (EPA)
A Palestinian flag is pictured during a symbolic funeral procession in solidarity with the people killed in Gaza and the West Bank, in Berlin, Germany, 06 April 2025. (EPA)
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Two British Lawmakers Detained by Israel Return Home, Criticize Decision

A Palestinian flag is pictured during a symbolic funeral procession in solidarity with the people killed in Gaza and the West Bank, in Berlin, Germany, 06 April 2025. (EPA)
A Palestinian flag is pictured during a symbolic funeral procession in solidarity with the people killed in Gaza and the West Bank, in Berlin, Germany, 06 April 2025. (EPA)

Two British members of parliament who were refused entry to Israel have returned to London after attempting to visit the West Bank on a fact-finding trip, they said on Sunday.

Abtisam Mohamed and Yuan Yang from Britain's governing Labor Party were travelling as part of a parliamentary delegation, but were stopped at the border on the grounds that they intended to provoke anti-Israel activities, according to the Israeli embassy in Britain.

The blocking of their visit marks the latest in a series of attempts by Israel to restrict entry of foreign lawmakers and dignitaries who have criticized the country's policies.

"We're astounded at the unprecedented step taken by the Israeli authorities to refuse British MPs entry on our trip to visit the occupied West Bank," Mohamed and Yang said in a joint statement.

"It is vital that parliamentarians are able to witness, firsthand the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory."

The Israeli embassy in London said the interior ministry had a duty to prevent entry to people who intended to cause the state harm.

"These individuals had accused Israel of false claims, were actively involved in promoting sanctions against Israeli ministers, and supported campaigns aimed at boycotting the State of Israel," the embassy said.

In their statement on Sunday, Mohamed and Yang said they had spoken out in Britain's parliament about the conflict between Israel and Palestine and the importance of complying with international law.

"Parliamentarians should feel free to speak truthfully in the House of Commons, without fear of being targeted," they said.

In November, Mohamed asked Britain's government if it would review its relationship with Israel in light of "atrocities taking place in Gaza, the West Bank and in Lebanon".

Yang had told parliament it was important that Britain proceeded with sanctions against Israeli government officials.

Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the detention of lawmakers Mohamed and Yang was no way to treat parliamentarians.

Israel has previously stopped members of the European Parliament and US Congress from entering the country.

In October, Israel's foreign minister said he was barring UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from entering the country because he had not "unequivocally" condemned a missile attack by Iran on Israel.