Outrage over a strike by the Israeli military that killed seven aid workers in Gaza has sparked a wave of resistance among congressional Democrats to sending arms and fresh military funding to Israel. The incident has not only added uncertainty to a pending foreign aid package for Ukraine and Israel but has also fueled calls for the administration to halt offensive weapons transfers to Israel until a full investigation into the airstrike is completed.
The $14.1 billion requested by President Biden for Israel’s war against Hamas was once seen as a bipartisan sweetener to a broader spending package that includes military aid for Ukraine. However, the tide has turned in recent days, with 40 House Democrats, including Representative Nancy Pelosi, urging the administration to withhold offensive arms transfers to Israel until conditions are met to ensure compliance with U.S. and international law.
Progressive Democrats have been particularly vocal in their opposition to the administration’s approach to Israel, with calls to restrict weapons sales and pressure Israel to protect civilians. Representative Rashida Tlaib and Representative Cori Bush have been leading the charge, urging President Biden to end all forms of support to Israel.
The mounting frustration among Democrats could further complicate the already stalled security spending package, which is facing opposition from Republicans over Ukraine funding. Speaker Mike Johnson plans to bring up the package in the coming weeks, but he will need substantial Democratic support to push it through the House.
Senator Chris Coons, a longtime supporter of Israel, has also expressed willingness to place conditions on aid if Israel conducts major offensives without provisions for civilians or humanitarian aid. The growing discontent among lawmakers reflects the confusion and dismay among constituents about the war and U.S. policy toward Israel.
President Biden recently threatened to condition future support for Israel on how it addresses concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, has been lobbying for quick approval of emergency military aid, emphasizing the need for tools to finish the job faster.
The ongoing debate over military aid to Israel highlights the complex dynamics at play in U.S. foreign policy and the challenges of balancing support for allies with concerns about human rights and civilian casualties. As tensions continue to rise, the future of U.S. aid to Israel remains uncertain, with implications for both domestic politics and international relations.
