Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent member of the progressive “Squad” Democrat group, has called for the United States to consider cutting off aid to Israel. She made this statement during a town hall meeting focused on discussing the Green New Deal. Ocasio-Cortez expressed her disagreement with the U.S. vetoing a United Nations ceasefire resolution, stating that it goes against American values.
The congresswoman specifically targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticizing his response to Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7th, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 people, mostly civilians. Ocasio-Cortez argued that aid to the Netanyahu government should be conditioned or even cut off due to their disregard for human life in Gaza.
Her comments were met with applause from the audience, reflecting the growing criticism of the Biden administration’s support for Israel among progressives. This criticism has even led to Muslim Americans campaigning against President Biden’s re-election. While Biden has called for restraint, the left-wing of his party believes it is not enough.
Ocasio-Cortez further emphasized the need to “wind down” U.S. support for Israel in order to prevent additional loss of life. She condemned what she perceived as the language of ethnic cleansing being used against Palestinians and innocent people.
The United States recently vetoed a United Nations ceasefire resolution for the third time, arguing that it could have adverse effects on negotiations to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. Thirteen countries voted in favor of the resolution, while the United Kingdom abstained.
The issue of Israel and its relationship with the U.S. has caused divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly between younger leftists and more moderate members. The treatment of Palestinians by Israel has become a contentious topic, leading to calls for a reevaluation of longstanding diplomatic ties.
Ocasio-Cortez’s stance on a permanent ceasefire in Gaza has put her at odds with American Jewish groups and moderates within her own party. She recently clashed with the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a Jewish lobbying group, over a social media post that targeted her and other lawmakers. Ocasio-Cortez criticized AIPAC for its rhetoric and compared it to the NRA of foreign policy.
The congresswoman’s call to cut aid to Israel reflects a growing sentiment among progressives who believe that the U.S. should take a stronger stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza. As the debate continues within the Democratic Party, it remains to be seen how this issue will impact U.S.-Israel relations in the future.