Democrats Split on Resolution to Halt U.S. Support for Israel

On Thursday, Democrats experienced a split regarding a resolution aimed at blocking U.S. support for Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

The bill, introduced by progressive Rep. Rashida Tlaib from Michigan, would obligate President Trump to withdraw American troops from Lebanon. This war between Israel and Hezbollah, a terrorist organization recognized by the U.S. and an Iranian proxy, has been escalating in southern Lebanon for months, although the U.S. has remained uninvolved.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York, opposed the bill. Critics contended that the resolution could unintentionally bolster Hezbollah’s position and hinder U.S. military efforts in the region.

Tlaib’s resolution ultimately failed, with a vote tally of 92 in favor to 324 against. More than half of House Democrats, alongside nearly all Republicans, voted it down.

Interestingly, Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky who is often critical of Israel, was the only Republican to support Tlaib’s bill. Meanwhile, Rep. Derek Tran from California and Rep. Betty McCollum from Minnesota opted to vote present rather than taking a side.

Before the vote took place, House Democratic leaders criticized Tlaib’s resolution and indicated they would collaborate with progressive lawmakers on a more refined measure that would exempt certain U.S. military operations. Their statement also condemned Hezbollah as a “violent terrorist organization” and a significant threat to the U.S.

Tlaib has accused Israel of engaging in “ethnic cleansing” in Lebanon, yet she did not mention Hezbollah within her resolution. Many supporters also skirted discussions on Iran’s proxies during the intense debate surrounding the bill.

Republicans seized on this oversight, claiming the resolution’s supporters acted like “proxies for Hezbollah.” House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast expressed that it seemed as if they did not want to acknowledge the violence against Israelis, highlighting that “it’s Hezbollah that’s killing Israeli children, adults, and elders.”

Tlaib defended her resolution by suggesting it would only impact U.S. forces engaged in direct hostilities. However, Republicans contested this assertion, worried it might erode U.S. efforts against Hezbollah.

Mast pointed out a significant flaw in Tlaib’s argument, noting, “I didn’t say anything about whether we can keep the Marines in the embassy.” He was referring to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and called it a “pretty big oversight,” indicating the resolution did not clarify the fate of U.S. forces involved in training the Lebanese Armed Forces.

During the discussion, Rep. Max Miller from Ohio connected Tlaib to Hezbollah, provoking a heated exchange. He described Hezbollah members as “butchers” and maintained his stance despite Tlaib’s request for his comments to be retracted from the official record.

The tension escalated as Miller firmly asserted, “Yes, I said it. I own it and I stand by it,” reinforcing his claims against Tlaib.

Ultimately, Tlaib’s resolution did not pass as Iran sought to link Israel’s military actions in Lebanon to broader ceasefire negotiations with the U.S. Meanwhile, Hezbollah dismissed a ceasefire agreement proposed between Israel and the Lebanese government.