Khanna on voting against aid for Israel: This ‘was a stance against a blank check to Netanyahu’

Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) said he voted against additional aid to Israel because he opposed a “blank check” to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Khanna was one of 37 Democrats who voted against On Saturday, it sent additional funds to Israel as its war in Gaza continues. The House of Representatives on Saturday approved a long-awaited foreign aid package that includes additional funding for Ukraine, Israel and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

“It was a tough vote. So, look, this is a blank check to Prime Minister Netanyahu and an unconditional stand against offensive weapons, and while Prime Minister Netanyahu is talking about rushing into Rafah, even more women… And you know your child is going to die,” Khanna said on ABC’s “This Week.” ”

“And what made people like Jamie Raskin and Lloyd Doggett and myself, who have voted for Israel and voted for Iron Dome every year, take this position is that we have to be clear. “We wanted to make it clear that if we change our strategy, there will be no more hunger or suffering in Gaza,” he added.

Divided into four separate votes, the foreign aid package includes about $61 billion for Ukraine, $26 billion for humanitarian aid in places like Israel and Gaza, and $8 billion for Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region. include.

Kanna release Joint statement Yesterday, he spoke with a number of Democrats about his decision not to support a funding bill for Israel and called on the United States to support efforts toward a ceasefire in the region to free the hostages.

“We all support strengthening Iron Dome and other defense systems, and we are all committed to Israel’s sovereign, safe and secure future. To protect that future, we I believe
“The United States must help achieve a ceasefire that will allow hostages to be released, humanitarian assistance provided, and peace negotiations to begin,” the statement said.