Jeffries calls for ‘dramatic change’ in US military aid to Israel after Democrats' election victory
Jeffries also sharply criticized US President Donald Trump’s war against Iran, describing it as a “reckless and costly war of choice” that had harmed American interests.
In the aftermath of Democrats' triumph in the US midterm elections, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries has called for a "dramatic change" in the country's approach to Israel, ranging from its military aid to the contested territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Speaking at a press conference in Washington, Jeffries was questioned about his stance on a proposal by Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen and 11 other senators to eliminate provisions from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would strengthen US-Israel defense and intelligence ties.
While Jeffries did not outright endorse the proposal, he emphasized the need for significant shifts in the Middle East. "I haven't had a conversation with Senator Van Hollen, but what I have said is that things have to dramatically change over in the Middle East," he stated. "We need dramatic change in the West Bank, I strongly support the West Bank Violence Protection Act.
We need dramatic change in Gaza, and we need dramatic change with respect to the Memorandum of Understanding as it winds down, all of which I've previously said publicly." The current US-Israel Memorandum of Understanding, which allocates $38 billion in military aid over a decade, expires in 2028. Jeffries has previously advocated for reviewing the framework governing future American security assistance to Israel, but did not explicitly advocate for terminating the military aid or altering the provisions in question.
Jeffries also expressed his vehement criticism of US President Donald Trump's war against Iran, branding it a "reckless and costly war of choice" that has adversely affected American interests. "It's been a disaster for the American people. It's raised costs, made life more expensive," he lamented. "The American people are less safe.
The Iranian regime is stronger now than it was before the war. We should have never entered into it." Democrats have vowed to terminate the conflict and oppose further financial support for the war. Jeffries reiterated Democratic opposition to extra funding for the war, stating that taxpayer dollars should be directed towards improving the lives of ordinary Americans rather than engaging in endless warfare overseas.
When asked if Democrats would leverage upcoming government funding talks to compel an end to the conflict, Jeffries refrained from making a firm commitment, citing ongoing negotiations led by Representative Rosa DeLauro ahead of the December 11 funding deadline. As Democrats prepare to assume control of the House in January, Jeffries' remarks suggest that US policy regarding Israel and the Iran war may become significant areas of contention between Congress and the Trump administration.
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