Half of House Dems vote to end US aid to Israel

The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted against an amendment to the National Security and State Department appropriations bill that would have eliminated $3.3 billion in aid to Israel. The amendment, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), failed with a vote of 104-314. Notably, 103 out of 201 voting Democrats supported the measure, highlighting a growing division within the Democratic party regarding the U.S.-Israel relationship. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) opposed the amendment, stating it was “overly broad” and would “restrict our country’s ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations,” though he acknowledged the need for changes in American policy toward Israel. Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, supported the amendment, arguing that “The American people are crying out for an end to US tax dollars subsidizing Israel’s military.” This vote reflects increasing pressure from progressive voters and recent primary election results.