Nearly half of Democrats vote to cut Israel aid in U.S. House

Nearly half of the Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives voted in favor of a measure to eliminate $3.3 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Israel, signaling a rapid and dramatic shift in the party's decades-long stance of unwavering support. The amendment, presented on Tuesday, saw 103 Democrats vote yes, 98 vote no, and 10 abstain. While nearly all Republicans opposed the measure, the Democratic split was stark.

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We must change course.

Many supporters of the amendment stated they voted yes not necessarily to cut humanitarian aid, but as a protest against Israel's actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, and as a means to demand a fundamental change in U.S.-Israel relations. This sentiment reflects a growing anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic party.

Key figures within the Democratic leadership also joined the dissent. Assistant House Minority Leader Katherine Clark and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi voted in favor. Clark explained her vote was driven by a belief that the party needs to change course, while Pelosi, though calling the amendment "unfortunate," stated she voted for the "message it sends."

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This is an unfortunate choice, but I voted for the message it sends.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, while opposing the amendment, called for a "major reset" of U.S.-Israel relations for the first time. He suggested that if Democrats regain the majority in the House, they might link security aid to Israel with conditions prohibiting human rights violations against Palestinians. Even as he voted against the amendment, Jeffries acknowledged that there were "good faith reasons to vote in different ways."

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The American people are calling to end U.S. taxpayer dollars subsidizing the Israeli military.

Progressive Caucus Chair Rep. Greg Casar urged his 98 members to vote yes, stating, "The American people are calling to end U.S. taxpayer dollars subsidizing the Israeli military." Rep. Seth Moulton, previously considered a strong pro-Israel voice, also supported the cut, arguing that Prime Minister Netanyahu's actions are contrary to American moral conscience and national security interests. Moulton also announced he would no longer accept donations from the powerful American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

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Netanyahu's actions are contrary to our moral conscience and national security interests, so we cannot continue the status quo and condone it.