More than 100 House Democrats back bid to cut military aid to Israel

More than 100 House Democrats have backed an amendment to cut military aid to Israel, exposing a sharp split inside the party over one of Washington's longest-running foreign policy positions. The measure was defeated overwhelmingly in the House after almost all Republicans opposed it, but the vote drew attention because of the scale of Democratic support. It comes ahead of November's midterm elections and against the backdrop of years of war in Gaza.

Sponsored

The amendment was offered by conservative Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie. According to the vote tally, 103 Democrats supported ending the aid, while 10 others voted present. Nearly all Republicans voted against the measure, leaving it with little chance of becoming law.

The result nonetheless showed a level of Democratic dissent that would have been unusual in earlier years of the US-Israel relationship. The split reached into Democratic leadership. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment, while his deputy Katherine Clark voted in favour.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi also backed the measure, saying US policy must change for the good of both Israelis and Palestinians. Clark said Washington should not provide a blank cheque to any country that does not comply with US law, interests and values. The vote matters because it reflects a broader shift in Democratic politics on Israel, especially among left-leaning voters.

Sponsored

The article cites polling showing that nearly three-quarters of Democrats want military support reduced or ended, with 40 percent favouring a complete end to it. That change has developed as the war in Gaza has continued, Palestinian casualties have mounted, and criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government has grown. For decades, support for Israel has been one of the most durable elements of US foreign policy, with broad backing in both parties.

The scale of the Democratic break in this vote suggests that the issue is becoming more contested inside the party, particularly among younger and more progressive lawmakers and voters. It also raises questions about how the party will balance foreign policy positions with electoral pressures in the run-up to November. What remains unclear is whether this vote marks a lasting realignment or a temporary response to the current conflict.

The amendment was defeated, so it does not change policy, but it provides a clear measure of internal Democratic division. The next point to watch is whether similar votes draw even more support, and whether party leaders can hold together a position that is increasingly under strain.

#USHouseDemocrats #Israelaid #ThomasMassie #HakeemJeffries #NancyPelosi

Sponsored