WASHINGTON — House Democrats are deeply divided over a vote to end U.S.aid for Israel — an intraparty fight, which has now split the party’s top two leaders.Subscribe to read this story ad-freeGet unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.The rare public disagreement at the party’s highest levels highlights deep turmoil among lawmakers and the party base about how to handle U.S.
relations with Israel.It pits a rising progressive wing calling for cutting off assistance to Israel, at least until the Netanyahu government changes its approach to Gaza, against center-left Democrats who are deeply reluctant to upend the U.S.’s decades-long alliance with Israel.House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., indicated that he will vote against an amendment by Rep.
Thomas Massie, R-Ky., that would cut off aid to Israel, calling the measure “overly broad.”House Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the No.2 Democrat, broke with Jeffries, saying hours before the Wednesday afternoon vote that she will support it.Despite her reservations, Clark said Wednesday, “It is clear that the status quo is not tenable,” and added: “We should not provide a blank check for military aid to any country that does not comply with U.S.
law, interests, and values.”“The Netanyahu government has failed to meet that standard.I will be voting yes, not because I agree with the entirety of the amendment, or the GOP’s cynical motivations for its consideration, but because I believe we must change course,” Clark said in a statement.
“While Democratic Members will make different decisions on this amendment in good faith, we are absolutely united in our shared goal of permanent peace.”The legislation by Massie, a vocal non-interventionist and fiscal conservative, would bar any funding in the national security and State Department appropriations bill from being used for Israel.It would also block $3.3 billion in U.S.
security assistance for Isra...