House Democrats Split Over Proposal to End All US Aid to Israel Amid Declining Support

The US House of Representatives is set to vote on a controversial proposal to completely cut off American aid to Israel, with an estimated 70% of Democratic lawmakers expected to support the measure. This move highlights a significant rift within the Democratic Party and marks a historic low in support for Israel among its members.

The proposal, introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, seeks to halt $3.3 billion in annual US aid to Israel, covering both military and civilian assistance. Massie, known for his fringe and anti-Israel views, lost his congressional seat following clashes with former President Donald Trump. Despite being a Republican initiative, the bill has stirred intense debate primarily within the Democratic Party.

House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced his opposition to the proposal, calling it "too broad" and warning it would undermine efforts against Hezbollah and Hamas. However, Jeffries stated he would not actively campaign against it and suggested future US aid to Israel might be conditioned on improvements in Palestinian human rights. Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar urged Democrats to back the amendment, arguing that American taxpayers oppose funding Israel’s military.

This vote, expected Wednesday evening, will be the first direct congressional vote on cutting US aid to Israel in the current session and underscores the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel policy. Recent closed-door discussions among Democrats and prior Senate votes indicate growing skepticism; in April, about 75% of Senate Democrats supported measures to block arms sales to Israel.

While the proposal is unlikely to pass or immediately change US policy, it reflects shifting attitudes and increasing demands for conditionality on aid. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former President Donald Trump remain key figures in the broader political context surrounding US-Israel relations.

Summary: The US House is voting on a proposal to end all aid to Israel, with most House Democrats expected to support it, revealing deep party divisions and historic low support for Israel.

Points: - Around 70% of House Democrats may vote to end all US aid to Israel. - The $3.3 billion aid cut proposal is led by Republican Thomas Massie. - Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries opposes but won’t campaign against the bill. - Progressive Democrats call for ending taxpayer funding of Israel’s military. - The vote highlights a historic low in Democratic support for Israel. - Senate Democrats recently backed blocking arms sales to Israel.

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people":["Thomas Massie","Hakeem Jeffries","Greg Casar","Benjamin Netanyahu","Donald Trump"],"organizations":["Democratic Party","House of Representatives","Progressive Caucus","US Senate"],"places":["Israel","United States"]}