US House Rejects Bill to End Military Aid to Israel Amid Democratic Party Rift

The US House of Representatives voted down a proposed amendment to the State Department budget that sought to completely block the annual $3.3 billion military aid to Israel. The amendment was rejected by a vote of 314 against to 104 in favor. The vote, held overnight between Wednesday and Thursday, revealed a significant and unprecedented division within the Democratic Party regarding the war in Gaza and US support for Israel.

The amendment was introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, known for his criticism of Israel. Although the amendment was not expected to pass, it gained notable attention after at least 150 Democrats, about 70% of the party's House members, announced their support for it. This marks an unprecedented number of lawmakers willing to halt all US aid to Israel, a policy that has historically enjoyed bipartisan backing.

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated he would vote against the amendment and support continued aid to Israel. However, he also expressed support for gradually ending US funding to Israel, a stance previously endorsed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The vote highlights the deepening rift within the Democratic Party over Israel policy amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.