Majority of House Democrats Back Cutting Israel Aid

A majority of House Democrats casting a definitive vote supported ending $3.3 billion in annual US military assistance to Israel on Wednesday, marking one of the clearest signs yet of the party’s growing break with Washington’s longstanding policy toward its closest Middle Eastern ally.

The House rejected the amendment by 314 votes to 104. Yet 103 Democrats voted in favor, compared with 98 who opposed it and 10 who voted present. Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who introduced the measure, was its sole Republican supporter. The amendment would have removed the Israeli security-assistance allocation from the fiscal year 2027 State Department and national security spending bill.

The vote exposed divisions at the highest levels of Democratic leadership. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment, describing it as overly broad and arguing that it could undermine diplomacy, humanitarian assistance and efforts against armed groups. Democratic Whip Katherine Clark backed it, saying the United States should stop providing a “blank check” to governments that fail to comply with American laws and values.

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi also voted for the measure despite calling it “ill-conceived,” saying her vote was intended to send a message that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government could not continue its current course. Democratic leaders allowed members to vote according to their own positions rather than enforcing a unified party line.

Massie argued that the money should instead be spent on American infrastructure and veterans, while Democrats supporting the amendment cited Israel’s use of US weapons in Gaza, Lebanon and the war with Iran. Opponents maintained that the funding supports Israeli security, US strategic interests and American arms manufacturers.

Although the amendment failed decisively, the Democratic vote represents a significant political shift. A New York Times/Siena poll published in May found that 74 percent of Democratic voters opposed sending Israel additional military or economic assistance. With congressional elections approaching, unconditional support for Israel is increasingly becoming a liability in Democratic primaries and a defining division within the party.