Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez indicated this week that she would reject all U.S. assistance to Israel, including funding for defensive systems, according to a report on remarks she made during a private meeting with members of the Democratic Socialists of America.

The position represents a shift from her earlier stance. While she has long opposed aid tied to offensive military capabilities, she had previously supported funding for defensive measures such as the Iron Dome missile defense system.

The comments were first reported by Peter Sterne, an editor at City and State NY, who covered the meeting, which was streamed for DSA members. The gathering was held to consider whether the organization would endorse Ocasio-Cortez’s reelection campaign.

During the discussion, Ocasio-Cortez was asked about backing an arms embargo on Israel. According to the report, she responded, “I have not once ever voted to authorize funding to Israel, and I will never. The Israeli government should be able to finance their own weapons if they seek to arm themselves.”

A follow-up question pressed her on whether that position would extend to all military-related funding, including defensive systems. “If the moment presents itself in Congress, will you commit to voting ‘no’ for any spending on arms for Israel, including so-called ‘defensive capabilities?’”

Ocasio-Cortez answered, “Yes.”

Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive bloc in Congress often referred to as “the Squad,” has repeatedly voiced sharp criticism of Israel, including accusations related to its conduct in Gaza.

She later defended her use of the term “genocide,” arguing in an interview that conditions in Gaza had “crossed the threshold of intent.”

In an earlier 2019 radio interview, she described Israel as “criminal” in its treatment of Palestinian Arabs, asserting that they have no alternative but to “riot” against the country.

She has also previously said that reducing or cutting U.S. military and economic support to Israel should be “on the table” as a way to express opposition to Israeli policies, and has characterized Israel as an “apartheid state.”