Over 100 House Democrats vote to cut Israel military aid

A significant portion of the House Democratic caucus has voiced strong opposition to US military aid for Israel, with over 100 members voting to slash funding. This move represents a notable rebuke to the longtime US ally, intensifying internal party divisions ahead of the November midterm elections.

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it is clear that the status quo is not tenable. We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with US law, interests, and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard.

The amendment, introduced by Republican Thomas Massie, sought to halt $3.3 billion in planned aid. Although it failed by a vote of 104-314, the 103 House Democrats who supported it underscore a dramatic shift in sentiment within the party since the October 7th attacks and Israel's subsequent invasion of Gaza.

The split was evident even among party leadership. While Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar voted against the amendment, calling it "overly broad," House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark supported it. Clark stated, "We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with US law, interests, and values. The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard."

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Netanyahu, like Donald Trump, is a corrupt authoritarian who should face criminal courts–not receive billions more for weapons.

Other prominent Democrats, including Robert Garcia and Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar, also backed the amendment. Garcia criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a "corrupt authoritarian," while Casar argued that "The American people are crying out for an end to US tax dollars subsidizing Israel’s military."

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The American people are crying out for an end to US tax dollars subsidizing Israel’s military.

The vote reflects a growing trend in Democratic primaries, where candidates challenging the party's traditional stance on Israel and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) lobby have found success. This discontent has manifested in primary upsets and the election of progressive candidates who prioritize a harder line on Israel's actions in Gaza.

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overly broad