By Blessing Nweke
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio- Cortez announced Wednesday that she now opposes all U.S. military aid to Israel, marking a significant shift from her earlier support for defensive systems like Iron Dome.
The New York Democrat said the Israeli government is capable of funding its own defense and argued that U.S. assistance should comply strictly with human rights standards, including the Leahy Law, which bars aid to foreign military units accused of abuses.
“I will not support Congress sending more taxpayer dollars and military aid to a government that consistently ignores international law and U.S. law,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
Her new position sets her apart from many Democratic leaders and potential 2028 presidential contenders, as divisions within the party over Israel policy continue to deepen. She revealed the stance during a virtual forum with the Democratic Socialists of America, which has long pushed her to oppose all funding to Israel.
The group welcomed her comments, with local leaders in New York praising what they described as a step toward alignment with their platform. The organization is currently weighing whether to endorse her reelection bid.
Ocasio-Cortez’s shift comes amid declining U.S. public support for Israel and ongoing controversy over the war in Gaza following the October 7 attacks. The United Nations has raised concerns about humanitarian conditions, while Israel maintains it is acting in self-defense.
Other progressive lawmakers, including Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, have also opposed certain military aid measures, though none have taken as sweeping a position.
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