Ankara: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries announced his opposition to Republican Rep. Thomas Massie's amendment aimed at terminating all US assistance to Israel. This amendment is part of a broader foreign operations spending bill that the House of Representatives is set to deliberate in the coming days. The proposed measure represents the first standalone vote in the current Congress geared towards ending US military and other aid to Israel.

According to Anadolu Agency, the amendment is expected to highlight significant divisions within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel. While many Democrats are anticipated to support the proposal, it seeks to eliminate the $3.3 billion annual US aid to Israel, sparking debate on the future of US foreign policy in the Middle East.

In a letter expressing his stance, Jeffries emphasized that the amendment would hinder the US's ability to counter militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah, which he identified as hostile entities towards both the US and Israel. He criticized Republican leaders for attempting to exploit the amendment for partisan reasons, despite not supporting it themselves. Jeffries also noted that due to varying opinions within the Democratic Caucus on this foreign policy issue, there would be no formal effort to sway votes.

Jeffries further argued that changes in American policy in the Middle East are necessary for the welfare of both Israelis and Palestinians. He criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's far-right government for isolating Israel on the global stage, damaging its relationship with the US, and undermining peace prospects and regional normalization efforts.

The US has faced longstanding criticism for its support of Israel, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Since October 7, 2023, more than 73,000 individuals, primarily women and children, have been reported killed as a result of what has been described as a genocidal war initiated by Tel Aviv.