House Democrats Discuss US Aid to Israel in Private Meeting

House Democrats held a private meeting on Tuesday to discuss a vote on reducing US aid to Israel. According to a senior lawmaker, the meeting was intense. The proposal, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, aims to prohibit funds in a State Department appropriations bill from going to Israel. Some Democrats expressed concerns that the proposal could cut off not only military aid but also diplomatic funding. Another concern is the potential backlash from their base if they oppose the measure. The meeting took place at the House Democrats' weekly closed-door caucus meeting on Capitol Hill.

The amendment has attracted support from pro-Palestinian progressives, despite concerns from some corners of the party. Members shared different points of view during the meeting, and it was clear that there is a split. The big focus was on concerns about cutting off non-military aid, but there was also discussion about young people and public sentiment, as well as Israeli democracy.

Rep. Julie Johnson pushed back on the characterization of the meeting as intense, saying that there's a difference of opinion and that people have belief structures on both sides. House Democratic caucus Chair Pete Aguilar said that the conversation was great and that it's always helpful to hear where members are at. The debate comes as the left has been challenging the party establishment, unseating pro-Israel incumbents in campaigns focused on the Middle East.