US House minority leader to oppose bid to cut off Israel aid

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced his opposition to Republican Rep. Thomas Massie's amendment to cut off all US assistance to Israel. This amendment, expected to be considered soon as part of a broader spending bill, would be the first standalone vote in the current Congress on ending US aid to Israel, potentially exposing divisions within the Democratic Party. Jeffries argued the amendment would hinder the US's ability to counter groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, which he called "terror organizations hostile to the US and Israel." He also criticized the "far-right Netanyahu government," stating it has "isolated Israel from much of the world" and undermined peace prospects, but emphasized that cutting aid is not the way to achieve change. The Democratic caucus will not officially whip the vote, acknowledging strongly held views on the matter.