Jeffries Opposes Bid to Cut All U.S. Aid to Israel, Calls for New Security Pact

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said he will oppose Rep. Thomas Massie’s amendment barring funding for Israel, calling it overly broad because it would also restrict humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, peace-building, U.S. Embassy operations and efforts against Hamas and Hezbollah. Jeffries said the United States and Israel should negotiate a new security arrangement that preserves Israel’s qualitative military edge against Iran and other regional threats. He also called for urgent change in the bilateral relationship and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of damaging Israel’s standing and undermining normalization and peace efforts. Democratic leaders will not direct members how to vote.