Key Takeaways
- The US House of Representatives voted against an amendment to cut off aid to Israel.
- Despite strong support from Democrats, the measure failed with a vote of 314 to 104.
- The vote reflects growing tensions between US progressives and Israel over its Gaza attacks.
In a significant development in US politics, the House of Representatives has rejected an amendment aimed at cutting off aid to Israel. The measure, proposed by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, was defeated with a 314-104 vote, despite garnering strong support from nearly half of Democrats.
The amendment sought to bar any funding in the appropriations bill from being used for Israel and block $3.3 billion in annual security assistance that Washington sends to the country. This move reflects a growing rift between US progressives and Israel over its ongoing attacks on Gaza, which began in October 2023.
Massie's amendment was particularly significant as it would have cut off funding included in a 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Israel, effective until 2028. In September 2016, the House had voted overwhelmingly in favor of supporting this MoU, with a resolution passed by 405 to 4.
The vote on Wednesday was largely symbolic, as it would have required Senate approval and an override of President Donald Trump's almost certain veto to become law. However, the outcome underscores the shifting views among US lawmakers regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Left-wing Democrats are increasingly pushing for an end to US aid to Israel, particularly as they campaign in midterm election primaries. Moderate Democrats, on the other hand, advocate for sending money that would be used only for defensive weapons. This division within the Democratic Party highlights a broader shift in criticism of Israel by US political leaders.
Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, stated his opposition to Massie’s amendment, calling it “too broad.” However, No. 2 House Democrat Representative Katherine Clark supported the measure, arguing that the US should not provide military aid to any country that does not comply with US law, interests, and values.
The issue has also divided party leaders. In a recent primary election in New York, influential Representative Adriano Espaillat lost to a candidate who ran on progressive issues, including opposition to Israel’s attacks in Gaza and questioning the country's right to exist.
While the vote may be largely symbolic, it signals a significant shift in US domestic politics, with Democrats increasingly divided over their stance towards Israel. This development could have broader implications for US foreign policy and its relationship with Israel.
There have been 70,000 casualties in Gaza, and I don’t think we should be part of that.
Thomas Massie, Republican Representative from Kentucky
We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with US law, interests, and values.
Katherine Clark, Representative of Massachusetts
