Jeffries Calls for Changes to U.S. Military Aid Framework for Israel

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries called on Thursday for major changes to U.S. policy toward Gaza and the West Bank and to the military-assistance framework with Israel. Speaking at a press briefing in Washington on November 12, he addressed the next assistance agreement as Democrats prepare to take control of the House in January. A reporter asked about Senator Chris Van Hollen’s initiative, backed by 11 other senators, to remove provisions expanding U.S.–Israel defense and intelligence cooperation from the National Defense Authorization Act. Jeffries said he had not spoken with Van Hollen. He supported the West Bank Violence Protection Act, but did not explicitly endorse removing the defense provisions or cutting off assistance to Israel. “The status quo is unacceptable,” Jeffries said. He described his goal as a secure Israel as a Jewish and democratic state alongside an independent Palestinian state with dignity and self-determination. He said Democrats would work through their caucus toward peace for Israelis and Palestinians. The existing assistance memorandum provides $38 billion over ten years and expires in 2028. Jeffries also criticized President Donald Trump’s war with Iran, arguing that it had raised Americans’ costs and harmed U.S. security. He said House Democrats opposed further funding for the conflict. Asked whether they would use government-funding negotiations to force an end to the war, he did not commit to that approach and referred to talks led by Representative Rosa DeLauro. The government-funding deadline is December 11.