"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.
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"I hope you will join me in beginning that process by voting yes on this amendment," Casar wrote.
