Massie Triggers House Democrats’ Circular Firing Squad Over Israel Aid

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Tensions boiled over among House Democrats Sunday after Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie proposed an amendment to nix $3 billion in military aid to Israel.

During a phone call, Democrats could not reach an agreement on how to handle the amendment that would slash $3.3 billion in foreign aid to Israel, with some arguing that the party should support Israel less, Punchbowl News reported Monday. Divisions over Israel continued to flare on both sides of the aisle, causing major rifts within both parties.

Far-left and progressive Democrats argued that Israel committed “genocide” in Gaza and engaged in ethnic cleansing, prompting them to oppose military aid. Center-left Democrats largely supported security support and argued Israel had a right to defend itself against regional threats.

Establishment Republicans, seniors and evangelicals continued to support foreign aid for Israel, while Massie and other conservative skeptics viewed U.S. aid to Israel as being a betrayal to America First supporters. Some Republicans, including Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, supported unrestricted aid to Israel and argued the U.S.-Israel alliance was vital to Americans’ national security.

Members of the New Democrat Coalition, a center-left caucus, and Jewish lawmakers opposed Massie’s amendment. The House Appropriations Committee’s ranking member, Democratic Connecticut Rep. Rosa DeLauro, argued the amendment could cut off aid to Palestinians, Punchbowl News reported.

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