The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected an amendment that would have blocked approximately $3.3 billion in annual military aid to Israel, reaffirming broad congressional support for the country’s security despite growing divisions over the war in Gaza.
The amendment was defeated by a vote of 314 to 104. It was introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie and Democratic Representative Ro Khanna.
According to the House vote, 103 Democratic lawmakers supported the proposal, reflecting a widening debate within the Democratic Party over continued U.S. military assistance to Israel.
The amendment sought to suspend the annual military assistance the United States provides to Israel, which helps fund defense cooperation, advanced weapons procurement and missile defense systems, including the Iron Dome.
Lawmakers opposing the measure argued that halting military assistance would weaken Israel’s ability to respond to regional security threats and undermine long-standing U.S. strategic interests in the Middle East.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposed the amendment while allowing members of his caucus to vote according to their own judgment. He argued that U.S. assistance supports Israel’s security and broader American interests in the region.
Supporters of the amendment said future U.S. military aid should be conditioned on Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law and stronger efforts to protect civilians during military operations in Gaza.
The vote comes as debate in Washington over U.S. policy toward the Israel-Hamas war continues to intensify. Progressive Democrats have increasingly questioned whether military assistance should be subject to additional oversight or restrictions in light of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Supporters of continued aid, including lawmakers from both major parties, argue that Israel continues to face security threats from Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran, and that maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge remains a longstanding objective of U.S. foreign policy.
Although the amendment failed by a wide margin, the vote highlighted a growing bloc of Democratic lawmakers willing to challenge unconditional military assistance to Israel. The issue is expected to remain part of future congressional debates over defense appropriations and U.S. foreign assistance.
