Democrats are currently facing significant divisions over a bill aimed at reducing aid to Israel, revealing a noticeable shift in attitudes toward the country, especially as support for Palestinians grows within the party.
Recently, House lawmakers voted 104-313 against an amendment that sought to cut $3.3 billion in foreign aid to Israel for the next fiscal year. This vote also showcased a split in House Democratic leadership, which chose not to take a stance either way.
This contentious vote allowed legislators to directly address taxpayer funding for Israel for the first time in the current Congress.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries from New York voted against the amendment, alongside 97 other Democrats. Meanwhile, Rep. Catherine Clark from Massachusetts, the second-ranking Democrat in the House, backed the amendment, joining 102 others. Interestingly, ten Democratic members chose to vote present.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky and a vocal critic of Israel, labeled the nation as “America’s largest welfare recipient” and proposed this amendment during discussions about the State Department’s spending bill. He stood out as the only Republican supporting the measure.
Opponents of the amendment argued that passing it would jeopardize a crucial U.S. relationship in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict with Iran, thereby reducing Israel’s capacity to combat terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart from Florida emphasized that threats to Israel also endanger U.S. citizens. “Providing Israel with the tools to combat these threats makes America safer,” he stated.
Diaz-Balart also pointed out that funds from the aid package primarily support purchases of American-made weaponry, benefitting the U.S. economy.
Several notable Democrats echoed this sentiment, criticizing the Massey amendment sharply. Steny Hoyer, a former House Majority Leader, warned that the amendment would embolden those who oppose peace efforts and seek Israel’s destruction.
Despite the overwhelming defeat of the amendment, some supporters celebrated. Greg Casar, chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, remarked that more Democrats than ever before voted against funding Netanyahu’s government, asserting a commitment to redirecting tax dollars toward domestic issues.
Jeffries, who voiced his concerns about the Massey amendment in a closed session, expressed that the bill was poorly framed. He noted, “It is too broad and could restrict funds needed for vital humanitarian aid.” He suggested that U.S. policy towards Israel ought to adapt.
In contrast, Clark and several Democratic lawmakers argued that the ongoing war in Gaza, described by some as genocide, calls for a halt to financial support for Israel. Rep. Joaquin Castro from Texas stated, “To change Israel’s actions, we must show strength,” expressing that Americans have become less supportive of military aid to Israel.
The Massey amendment notably lacked provisions to protect non-military aid as well.
Concerns regarding national security were highlighted by Rep. Greg Landsman from Ohio, who criticized the amendment’s potential repercussions for allies. The Ohio Democratic Party accused Republicans of attempting to expose fractures in the party through this bill.
This recent vote reflects a growing trend among Democrats towards a tougher stance on Israel, as indicated by recent polling data.
A March poll indicated that 67% of Democratic voters felt more empathy for Gaza compared to Israel, while only 17% held an opposing view.
In primary elections in New York earlier this year, three socialist candidates who were predominantly anti-Israel defeated establishment-backed contenders.
Rep. Ro Khanna from California, promoting a reduction in U.S. aid to Israel, faced scrutiny in a recent interview regarding his stance on Hamas’s actions during their invasion of Israel. Although Khanna did not justify the violence, the questioning seemed to underscore an increasing hostility toward Israel within the Democratic ranks.
With these changing dynamics, some Democrats anticipated that support for Massey’s amendment could grow significantly.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez from New York articulated her belief that this issue transcends ideological lines, suggesting it could resonate across the entire party.
