Democratic Party leadership in the US House of Representatives removed about $1 billion of funding for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system on Tuesday.
The revision came after progressives in the party refused to vote for the broader bill in which the Iron Dome funding was included.
The progressive Democrats blocking the Iron Dome funding are among those who pushed to block arms to Israel during Operation Guardian of the Wall in May, according to Politico. That move was led by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of NY, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.
The Democrats could not get the bill passed without the progressives, because Republicans would not vote for the bill, either, citing the debt ceiling as its reason. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said “the debt ceiling will be raised… by the Democrats.”
House Democratic leadership said the Iron Dome funding will be included in an eventual bipartisan defense bill for fiscal year 2022.
Israel Reacts
Israel considering pulling their ambassador to the US over Iron Dome funding cut, per US official
— Jack Posobiec 🇺🇸 (@JackPosobiec) September 21, 2021
This administration needs to protect its Israeli allies. However, it seems this administration is catering to the far-left wing of the party who sympathizes with the Palestinians.
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