House Democrats are experiencing significant division over a proposed vote to end U.S. aid to Israel. This internal party conflict has escalated to include the party’s highest-ranking leaders.
The debate reveals a schism within the party concerning U.S.-Israel relations. One side, the progressive wing, advocates for cutting assistance to Israel until the Israeli government changes its policies regarding Gaza. On the other hand, center-left Democrats are hesitant to disrupt the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and Israel.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., shared his intent to oppose an amendment from Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., which aims to cease aid for Israel. Jeffries described the amendment as “overly broad.” In contrast, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark from Massachusetts chose to support the amendment. Clark expressed that the current situation is unsustainable and highlighted the need for any country receiving U.S. military aid to align with U.S. laws, interests, and values.
Clark criticized the Netanyahu government for failing to meet these standards. She stated, “I will be voting yes, not because I agree with the entirety of the amendment, or the GOP’s cynical motivations for its consideration, but because I believe we must change course.” She reiterated a shared goal among Democrats of working towards permanent peace, despite differing votes.
Massie’s legislation would eliminate funding from the national security and State Department appropriations bill intended for Israel. Additionally, the proposal aims to block $3.3 billion in U.S. security assistance.
Jeffries, in a letter to colleagues, argued that Massie’s amendment could weaken efforts to confront threats from organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah. He suggested more effective measures are needed to address issues with the far-right Netanyahu government.
Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar of California, aligning with Jeffries, also plans to vote against the amendment. Although it is unlikely to pass, the amendment will publicly record lawmakers’ positions, coinciding with various geopolitical tensions, including those involving Iran and Israel’s unpopular actions in Gaza.
The proposed amendment has led to intricate decision-making among Democrats. As an example, Rep. Ami Bera, D-Calif., intends to vote “present,” balancing his support for U.S.-Israeli relations with opposition to certain policies by the Netanyahu government.
A Gallup tracking poll shows a change in U.S. public opinion on the Middle East conflict. In February, more Americans expressed sympathy for Palestinians (41%) compared to Israelis (36%). Among Democrats, 65% sympathized more with Palestinians.
This sentiment has increased pressure on Democratic leaders to adopt a firmer stance against Israel. Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar, D-Texas, circulated a letter encouraging a “yes” vote on Massie’s amendment, emphasizing the need for a new Democratic approach towards Israel and Palestine.
Casar criticized U.S. funding for Israel’s military, citing the human toll in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, while accusing Israel of war crimes in Gaza. Despite wishing the amendment targeted military funding specifically, Casar confirmed his support for Massie’s proposal.
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