U.S. Congress faces split over Israel aid as public opinion shifts

A proposed amendment to cut the $3.3 billion in annual U.S. military aid to Israel, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie and backed by progressive Democrats such as Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and Greg Casar, was halted on June 30 when a bipartisan coalition voted down the procedural rule needed to begin debate. The move came as polls showed a historic shift in American sentiment: a February Gallup poll found 41 % of respondents now sympathize more with Palestinians than Israelis, and a June Quinnipiac poll recorded 48 % saying the United States is “too supportive” of Israel.

Separately, a group of Democratic senators led by Chris Van Hollen sent a letter urging colleagues to block the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act until provisions that would deepen U.S.–Israel military and intelligence cooperation—known as the U.S.–Israel Defense Technology Cooperation Initiative—are debated. The letter, also signed by Jeff Markey, Ed Merkley, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, warned that the provisions could give Israel leverage over U.S. weapons systems and constrain intelligence sharing. These developments highlight growing intra‑party divisions ahead of the November midterm elections and reflect broader public and partisan reevaluation of unconditional support for Israel.