The Democratic Party has seen a sharp divide over legislation aimed at terminating aid to Israel, highlighting the growing tension between support for the Jewish state and the Palestinian cause.
A recent amendment that sought to cut $3.3 billion in foreign aid to Israel for the next fiscal year was rejected by a vote of 104-313, with even House Democratic leadership declining to whip members either way.
The hotly contested vote allowed lawmakers to weigh in directly on taxpayer-funded aid to Israel, a move that has been met with fierce opposition from some Democrats.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joined 97 other Democrats in opposing the elimination of aid, while Rep. Katherine Clark and 102 other Democrats supported the measure, with 10 Democrats voting present.
Rep. Thomas Massie, a leading Israel critic, offered the amendment as part of a State Department appropriations bill, labeling Israel the "biggest welfare recipient of the United States."
Oponents of the measure argued that it would damage one of the United States' most critical relationships in the Middle East and hinder Israel's ability to combat terrorist organizations, including Hamas and Hezbollah.
Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart argued that supporting Israel's defense capabilities makes the United States and its people safer, citing the fact that the majority of aid is used to purchase American-made weaponry.
Several prominent Democrats expressed criticism of the Massie amendment, with Rep. Steny Hoyer saying it would embolden enemies of peace and those pursuing the elimination of Israel.
Despite the amendment's failure, supporters took a victory lap, with Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar stating that more Democrats than ever before voted to stop sending money to Israel's government.
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar agreed with Massie's opposition, citing the measure's overly broad language that would limit the use of funds for humanitarian aid and other initiatives.
Rep. Katherine Clark and a group of Democrats rejected Aguilar's position, arguing that Israel's war in Gaza necessitated a need to end financial support to the Jewish state.
Rep. Joaquin Castro stated that using leverage to change Israel's behavior is crucial, citing the American people's opposition to continuing aid to Israel.
The vote comes as a growing number of Democrats take a hard line against Israel, with a recent survey finding that 67% of Democratic voters have more sympathy for Gaza than Israel.
Several Democratic commentators have noted the changing attitudes within the party, with some predicting that Massie's amendment would draw significant support.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stated that the issue is affecting people across the board, rather than being a solely ideological or left-wing issue.
