More than half of House Democrats voted Wednesday to strip $3.3 billion in U.S. aid from Israel, a move that signals a growing division within the party regarding support for the country.
The vote, which tallied 104-314, was an amendment to a larger national security spending bill and, while unsuccessful, highlighted a notable shift in attitudes towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war strategy. The vote comes as the conflict in Gaza has led to thousands of Palestinian casualties.
House Democratic leadership was divided on the issue, with the vote largely viewed as a test ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who opposed the measure to eliminate the aid, stated that "for the good of Israel and the Palestinian people, American policy in the Middle East must change." He believes there are more effective ways to achieve necessary change concerning the current Israeli government.
The widening rift over U.S. support for Israel has become a point of contention within the Democratic Party, particularly with its progressive wing. While traditional Democrats have largely maintained their support for Israel, a growing number have distanced themselves from Netanyahu's approach following the prolonged conflict initiated by the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack.
Rep. Katherine Clark, the Democratic Whip, announced her support for the amendment to withhold funds. Republicans have used this division to suggest that Democrats are being influenced by their more progressive elements, even as House Speaker Mike Johnson faces internal party divisions.
An AP-NORC poll released this month indicated that approximately one-third of U.S. adults, including about half of Democrats, believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. This accusation has been made by some human rights organizations but is vehemently denied by Israel and the U.S. government.
The amendment to cut Israel's foreign aid was introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky. During floor debate, Massie argued that the $3.3 billion could be better allocated to domestic needs such as roads, bridges, and veterans' services, especially given the rising national deficits. He also noted that American weapons have been used against civilians.
However, Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, a former party leader, defended long-standing support for Israel and cautioned against withdrawing aid. He stated that cutting aid would "dangerously undermine American national security" and hinder the U.S. ability to confront groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Lawmakers are facing pressure from various groups as the midterm elections approach. The American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) urged its supporters to contact members of Congress to oppose the amendment, stating, "We must ensure his dangerous amendment is defeated."
Conversely, the progressive advocacy group J Street offered lawmakers more flexibility in expressing their views. While J Street opposed the amendment, citing it as poorly drafted, President Jeremy Ben-Ami acknowledged that it provided an opportunity for many Democrats to formally express opposition to the use of American military assistance and weapons by the Israeli government in Gaza and other regions. He emphasized that the common ground among most Democrats—supporting the security and rights of both Israelis and Palestinians—is more significant than this particular vote.