Following the House’s rejection of Representative Thomas Massie’s amendment to eliminate U.S. assistance to Israel, Democratic Majority for Israel President and CEO Brian Romick released the following statement:
“The House was right to reject Representative Thomas Massie’s reckless amendment. It would have weakened Israel, emboldened Iran and its terrorist proxies, and undermined American security interests. We thank the House Democrats who voted no, including Leader Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, and Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Gregory Meeks.
“Republican leaders should never have brought this sweeping amendment to the floor. It was a naked attempt to drive a wedge within the Democratic Party, and it threatened longstanding funding not only for security assistance, but also humanitarian aid, peacebuilding, and joint programs that benefit Americans, Israelis and Palestinians.
“At the same time, the number of Democrats who supported it sends a loud and clear message. Many said they were expressing deep frustration with the Netanyahu government over settlement expansion, violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, extremists in its coalition, and the devastation in Gaza.
“The Israeli government should not dismiss those concerns. Frankly, this vote should serve as a wake-up call that significant work is needed to repair its relationship with Democrats — not only to preserve bipartisan support in the United States, but also to protect Israel’s long-term security and prosperity.”
“The Massie amendment deserved to fail. But defeating it is not enough. Pro-Israel Americans must rebuild the bipartisan coalition that has sustained the U.S.-Israel alliance and make the case for it to the next generation.”