Divisions among Democrats over cancellation of $33 billion aid to Israel

After a closed-door party meeting, the Democratic leadership has called on members to vote according to their conscience rather than the party line.

Senior Congressman Bennie Thompson told The Hill that he has never seen such intense and unprecedented debate on the Israel issue in the US legislature in his long political career.

According to Democratic lawmaker Rashida Tlaib, a final vote on the bill could take place in the House of Representatives this week.

However, political analysts believe that due to internal divisions among Democrats and opposition from Republicans, the bill is very unlikely to pass.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib, key leaders of the progressive wing of the Democrats, have taken a position in favor of the bill. On the other hand, moderate leaders of the party are opposing it.

Top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks, told Jewish Insider that he would vote against the bill. In his view, Israel should not be deprived of necessary military aid.

Top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, Representative Adam Smith, has taken the same position. He said that if the bill passes, it would halt all types of US government grants, including military and humanitarian aid designated for Israel, which he does not support.