House Vote Shows Democrats Pulling Away From Israel

A vote that didn't change US policy toward Israel may have rewritten the politics around it. On Wednesday, 104 House Democrats backed an amendment to zero out $3.3 billion in annual Israel aid—nearly half the caucus and far beyond the party's historical left flank—marking a sharp turn in how the party's rank and file approach a key US ally, Politico reports. The measure failed 314-104 in the face of GOP opposition, but it forced Democrats to go on record at a time of sustained anger over Israel's war in Gaza. Rep. Thomas Massie, a sponsor, was the only Republican to vote yes, per the New York Times. Ten Democrats voted present, per the Washington Post.

Democrats voting "yes" included former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and national security hawk Seth Moulton, who both cited frustration with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment, warning it risked cutting humanitarian aid, per Politico, but told members to vote their conscience while acknowledging the need to "recalibrate" ties as a long-term security pact expires. Two years ago, just 37 House Democrats backed a similar measure. Supporters said their vote was their only way to register opposition to Israeli policies in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon, as well as call for a fundamental shift is the US relationship with Israel.