The House of Representatives voted on Wednesday on a measure to eliminate nearly $3.3 billion in U.S. military and humanitarian aid to Israel, a move that failed but exposed deep divisions within the Democratic Party over American support for the Jewish state. The proposal, introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who opposes foreign intervention, was rejected by a significant margin of 314 to 104, with 10 members voting “present.” While almost all Republicans opposed the measure, nearly half of Democrats supported it, signaling a notable shift in attitudes within the party.

The debate highlighted stark differences over U.S. policy toward Israel, particularly in the aftermath of intensified conflicts involving Israel, Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. Supporters of the measure, predominantly progressive Democrats, argued that continuing aid without conditions tacitly endorses Israeli actions they view as problematic, including military operations that have caused civilian casualties. Many who backed the amendment expressed frustration over the inability to separate military from humanitarian aid in the proposal but saw the vote as an opportunity to call for a fundamental change in the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Representative Greg Casar of Texas, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, urged members to support the amendment, emphasizing a public desire to stop taxpayer funds from subsidizing Israel’s military. Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas criticized the Israeli government’s response to the October 7 attacks, calling for an end to indiscriminate bombing of homes. Representative Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, who previously was a strong Israel supporter, announced his backing for aid cuts and said he would no longer accept donations from AIPAC, citing moral and national security concerns.

Democratic leadership was divided on the vote. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York and No. 3 Democrat Pete Aguilar of California opposed the measure, while Minority Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts voted in favor. Jeffries, who is poised to become Speaker if Democrats regain control of the House, hosted caucus meetings to navigate the contentious vote and called for a “major reset” in the bilateral relationship, suggesting future aid could be contingent on ensuring human rights protections for Palestinians. Pelosi described the amendment as “an unfortunate choice” but supported it “for the message it sends.”

Opponents, including Representatives Brad Sherman and Steny Hoyer, warned the amendment risked fracturing the Democratic Party and undermining American security. Sherman asserted the bill amounted to siding against Israel’s right to exist, while Hoyer framed a “yes” vote as detrimental to U.S. safety.

The vote came amid broader political shifts, including losses by incumbent Democrats to more progressive challengers who criticized their record on Israel. Public opinion within the Democratic Party is also evolving, with recent polls indicating widespread opposition among Democratic voters to further military and economic aid to Israel, a sentiment echoed by center-left advocacy groups that, while opposing the elimination of aid, recognized the vote as a rare recorded expression against current U.S. support.

The outcome underscored the end of a longstanding era characterized by near-unanimous bipartisan backing for Israel and pointed to a new and more contested chapter in U.S.-Israel relations, with debates over aid increasingly reflecting ideological and generational divides within the Democratic caucus.