More than half of House Democrats back bid to cut US military aid to Israel

More than half of House Democrats voted Wednesday in favour of removing $3.3 billion in US military aid to Israel, marking the clearest sign yet that once-solid bipartisan support for the country is weakening following Israel's war in Gaza, which has killed thousands of Palestinians.

The amendment was defeated by a 314-104 vote and was not added to a broader national security spending bill.

However, the outcome highlighted the growing divisions within the Democratic Party and across the United States over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war, which is nearing its third year.

The vote also exposed divisions among House Democratic leaders and was widely viewed as an early test ahead of the US midterm elections that will determine control of Congress.

More than 100 Democrats supported eliminating the military aid, while nearly as many opposed the measure. Most Republicans voted to keep the funding in place.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who opposed the amendment, nonetheless said US policy in the Middle East needs to change.

"For the good of Israel and the Palestinian people, American policy in the Middle East must change," Jeffries said.

In a letter to fellow Democrats before a private caucus meeting this week, Jeffries wrote that he believes "there are more decisive ways to achieve the urgent change necessary when it comes to the far-right Netanyahu government."

Democrats increasingly divided over Israel

The widening disagreement over Israel is creating new tensions within the Democratic Party, particularly as progressive candidates, including self-described democratic socialists, gain momentum in several high-profile House races ahead of the midterm elections.

While many mainstream Democrats continue to support US assistance to Israel, an increasing number have criticized Netanyahu's military strategy as the conflict has continued since Hamas launched its attack on Israel on 7 October 2023.

House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts announced she would support the amendment to suspend the military assistance.

Republicans have used the issue to argue that Democrats are increasingly influenced by their party's progressive wing, even as House Speaker Mike Johnson faces internal disagreements from Republicans aligned with President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda, many of whom favour reducing foreign military spending.

According to an AP-NORC poll conducted this month, about one-third of US adults -- including roughly half of Democrats -- believe Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians during the Gaza war.

Israel and the US government strongly reject that accusation, although it has been raised by several human rights organizations.

Amendment introduced by Thomas Massie

The proposal to eliminate military aid to Israel was introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, a libertarian-leaning Republican from Kentucky who recently lost his bid for re-election after Trump endorsed his primary challenger.

Speaking on the House floor, Massie argued that the $3.3 billion would be better spent on domestic priorities such as roads, bridges and veterans, particularly as the US faces rising budget deficits. He also said American-supplied weapons had been used against "oftentimes innocent civilians."

"I think we should stop it -- we should put them on a diet," Massie said.

Former House Democratic leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland strongly opposed the amendment, saying continued US support for Israel remains vital to American national security.

"I rise in strong opposition to this amendment, which would dangerously undermine American national security," Hoyer said.

He argued that reducing aid would weaken the United States' ability to counter groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which he said "expressly target American citizens and military personnel."

Lawmakers face pressure ahead of elections

Members of Congress faced lobbying efforts from both supporters and critics of continued US military assistance to Israel as the midterm elections approach.

The pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC urged its supporters to contact lawmakers and oppose the amendment.

"We must ensure his dangerous amendment is defeated," AIPAC said in a statement before the vote.

Meanwhile, the progressive advocacy organization J Street opposed the amendment, calling it too broad and poorly drafted, but acknowledged that it provided many Democrats with a rare opportunity to publicly express concern over how US military assistance has been used by the Israeli government.

J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami said many Democrats wanted to register their opposition to the use of American military aid and US-supplied weapons in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon and elsewhere.

He added that despite disagreements over the amendment, most Democrats remain united in supporting both the security of Israelis and the rights of Palestinians.