Half of House Democrats Vote to Cut $3.3 Billion Israel Military Aid as Party Splits
Nearly half of House Democrats voted to cut $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel, exposing a deep party rift as voters focus on the Iran war’s economic toll.
More than 100 Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives voted this week to halt military aid to Israel, though the measure ultimately failed [198634][197222]. The proposal, introduced by Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, would have blocked $3.3 billion in assistance, most of which goes to Israel’s military [196236]. Nearly half of Democratic lawmakers supported the measure, signaling growing opposition to long-standing bipartisan support for Israel [197222].
Top House Democrats remain divided. Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries called the amendment “overly broad,” while the chair of the progressive caucus urged colleagues to support it [196236]. Pro-Israel Democrats warn that the party’s left wing is moving too fast, and that Republicans will use the split to portray Democrats as hostile to Israel or weak on security [198634].
The vote comes as voters increasingly prioritize the cost of the Iran conflict over other issues. Former President Donald Trump’s attempt to shift attention to China failed to gain traction, with polls showing Americans rank the Iran war’s impact on oil prices and the cost of living as their top concerns [198502].
Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance has accused some Israeli leaders of manipulating American public opinion to prolong the war with Iran [198346]. In a podcast, Vance said there are “some people we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that are manipulating and trying to change American public opinion to keep the war going on indefinitely” [198167]. He did not name specific individuals but noted that Israel has long opposed any nuclear deal with Tehran [198167].