By COLlive reporter

A proposal to eliminate $3.3 billion in annual U.S. security assistance to Israel exposed a growing divide within the Democratic Party this week, as 103 House Democrats voted in favor of cutting the aid package that has long served as a cornerstone of the U.S.-Israel alliance. The amendment, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), was defeated by a bipartisan vote of 314-104.

The amendment sought to remove all funding for Israel from the State Department appropriations bill. While it had little chance of becoming law, the vote marked one of the largest displays of Democratic opposition to military aid for Israel in recent years. Democratic leaders themselves were divided, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposing the amendment while Minority Whip Katherine Clark voted in favor.

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn), who represents Crown Heights, supported maintaining aid to Israel. Other New York Democrats who did the same were Hakeem Jeffries, Gregory Meeks, Grace Meng, Dan Goldman, Laura Gillen, Joseph Morelle, George Latimer, Tim Kennedy, Adriano Espaillat, and Jerry Nadler. Freshman Congressman John Mannion (D-N.Y.), however, voted in favor of cutting the aid. Republicans from New York also voted against the proposal.

Although the amendment failed decisively, the vote underscored the growing debate within the Democratic Party over continued U.S. support for Israel, a relationship that for decades has enjoyed broad bipartisan backing in Congress.