A group of US lawmakers, led by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, is urging fellow Democrats to block military spending legislation until the Senate debates proposals to deepen ties with Israel. This effort reflects a broader shift among Democrats as support for Israel has become an increasingly divisive issue ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Divisions Over Israel Support
The lawmakers, including Democratic Senators Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, both of Massachusetts, as well as Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, wrote in a letter that they should not provide votes compelling President Donald Trump to deepen the US relationship with Netanyahu’s government. A Reuters/Ipsos poll last month found that one in four Americans believed the war with Iran was worth its costs, while Israel’s favorability rating among Democrats fell from 59% in 2018 to 22% in May.
Congress is currently drafting this year’s National Defense Authorization Act, which authorizes much of Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion military budget. Versions approved by House and Senate committees include provisions to deepen US-Israel defense cooperation. An early version of the fiscal 2027 Intelligence Authorization Act, which is typically attached to the NDAA, would also tighten intelligence ties with Israel.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
