Lead

The US House of Representatives voted 314 to 104 on Wednesday to defeat an amendment that would have cut off all military aid to Israel, but the vote exposed a deep and growing divide within the Democratic Party, with more than 100 Democrats supporting the measure.

The amendment, offered by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky to a State Department spending bill, would have barred any funding in the bill from being used for Israel and blocked $3.3 billion in annual security assistance. It was defeated overwhelmingly, but 103 Democrats and one Republican backed it, a sharp departure from years in which bills supporting Israel passed almost unanimously.

Coverage comparison

The vote was reported by multiple news organizations, each highlighting different aspects of the story. Al Jazeera, France 24, and The Guardian focused on the growing divide in US support for Israel, with analysts describing the vote as a signal of a generational and ideological realignment within the Democratic Party. Dawn and the Jerusalem Post reported the vote more neutrally, noting the legislative outcome and the split among Democrats.

A key point of agreement across outlets was the significance of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's support for the amendment. Once one of Israel's most dependable Democratic allies, Pelosi joined more than 100 members of her party in backing the measure, saying, "For the good of the Israeli people and the Palestinian people, it is clear US policy must change." Katherine Clark, the House minority whip, also supported the amendment, breaking publicly with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who opposed it.

Key claims

  • The amendment was defeated by a vote of 314 to 104, with 103 Democrats and one Republican voting in favor. Ten lawmakers voted present.
  • The amendment, introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, would have cut $3.3 billion in annual security assistance to Israel.
  • More than 100 House Democrats voted to cut military aid to Israel, including Nancy Pelosi and Katherine Clark.
  • The Gaza health ministry has reported over 73,000 Palestinian casualties since Israel's offensive began in October 2023.
  • Massie said during the House debate, "There have been 70,000 casualties in Gaza, and I don't think we should be part of that."
  • A recent Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that nearly three-quarters of Democrats want to reduce or end military support for Israel.
  • Another recent poll found that only 16% of US adults think unrestricted aid to Israel should continue.
  • The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) appeared to have cut off contributions on its web portal to Democrats who voted for the amendment. Fifteen Democrats endorsed for re-election lost the option to receive donations, while still being listed as "pro-Israel" members of Congress. AIPAC said it was "disappointed by the 103 Democrats who voted with Massie to weaken America and our ally Israel."

Perspectives

Democratic Party

Democratic leaders are divided. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment, calling it "overly broad," but said he would not formally try to persuade other Democrats to oppose it, citing "the strongly held views throughout the caucus in this important area of foreign policy." Katherine Clark supported the amendment, saying, "We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with US law, interests, and values." Nancy Pelosi said she supported the amendment "for the message that it sends."

Pro-Israel advocacy

AIPAC expressed deep appreciation for the 314 lawmakers who voted against the amendment and disappointment with the 103 Democrats who voted for it. The organization removed the donate option for 15 Democrats who voted for the amendment, while still listing them as "pro-Israel" members of Congress.

Israeli policy analysts

Dan Diker, President of the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, told the Jerusalem Post that Israel faces major challenges from both major US parties. He said, "It's clear that the Democratic Party has moved consequentially to the left," and noted that the Republican Party is also split about its own self-understanding, citing the vice president's recent critical comments about Israel.