Top House Democrats are split over a legislative proposal to block $3.3 billion in military and state department aid for Israel, according to a report by The Guardian.
The deep divisions within the party come as progressive voters increasingly pressure lawmakers over continued US support for Israel, a trend that has already influenced recent congressional primary races.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries circulated a letter announcing his opposition to the amendment proposed by Republican Representative Thomas Massie, calling it "overly broad."
Jeffries warned that the measure could inadvertently disrupt humanitarian programs and damage regional security efforts.
"In my view, there are more decisive ways to achieve the urgent change necessary when it comes to the far-right Netanyahu government," he wrote.
He also criticized Republican leaders for using the legislative process to create political division, accusing them of "trying to weaponize an amendment they do not support for nakedly partisan reasons."
Despite his stance, Jeffries indicated he would not whip votes against the amendment due to "the strongly held views throughout the caucus in this important area of foreign policy."
He suggested that future bilateral agreements must place a stronger emphasis on human rights and economic self-sufficiency, urging they "strictly adhere to our human rights laws and values."
Democratic Representative Pete Aguilar, House Democratic Caucus Chair, joined Jeffries in opposing the defunding measure during a press conference.
"It's clear that the Netanyahu administration has done everything they can to isolate Israel, and we need to ensure that we are building more friends in the region, not having fewer," Aguilar said.
He also downplayed the long-term impact of incoming lawmakers on current leadership strategies, stating, "We're not thinking about what a Democratic candidate is going to say in December after they're sworn in … that's not part of the calculus."
Meanwhile, progressive caucus chair Greg Casar urged colleagues in a letter to support the funding halt.
"The American people are crying out for an end to US tax dollars subsidizing Israel's military," Casar wrote.
Casar pointed to recent primary losses by Democratic incumbents as a clear sign that voter sentiment has shifted.
"The Democratic party needs a new approach to Israel and Palestine," he wrote.
The progressive leader urged colleagues to signal this shift through their votes on the House floor.
"I hope you will join me in beginning that process by voting yes on this amendment," Casar wrote.
