# Plain Language Summary: Fortify Israel Act

This bill gives the U.S. President the power to seize Iranian money and assets that are currently frozen in American banks and financial systems, then use that money to buy military equipment and defense supplies for Israel. The bill essentially says the government can take Iranian assets that have been blocked since before this law passes and convert them into weapons, ammunition, and other military aid for Israel without needing approval from Congress each time.

The bill also creates a major roadblock to releasing any frozen Iranian money in the future. Before the President can unfreeze any Iranian assets, they must certify to Congress that fighting between Hamas and Israel has stopped, and that either Israel has been fully compensated for damages from the conflict or Iran has agreed to pay compensation through some international process. If Congress disagrees with the President's decision to release Iranian assets, they can pass a joint resolution within 30 days to block it—though the President can veto that decision, and Congress would need a two-thirds majority to override the veto.

The practical effect is that this bill ties up Iranian frozen assets specifically to support Israel's military needs and makes it much harder for any future administration to release those funds. It also prevents courts from reviewing whether the confiscation of Iranian assets is legal, though it does allow individuals to still pursue their own legal claims. The bill specifically protects diplomatic buildings and UN headquarters from being seized, following international law requirements.