Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez faces criticism from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) for voting against an amendment to block $500 million in U.S. funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system. The DSA, a progressive political group within the Democratic Party, argues that the amendment — introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) — represents a critical step toward ending the flow of U.S. military aid to Israel, which they claim has been instrumental in perpetuating the conflict in Gaza.
In a statement, the DSA criticized Ocasio-Cortez for her opposition to the amendment, calling it a failure to address the broader issue of U.S. involvement in Israel’s military activities. The group emphasized that while Ocasio-Cortez has previously supported efforts to cut off offensive aid to Israel, her opposition to the defensive Iron Dome program is perceived as a contradiction.
Ocasio-Cortez, in a post on X, defended her decision, stating that the amendment did not address the flow of offensive weapons used in Gaza. ‘I have long stated that I do not believe that adding to the death count of innocent victims to this war is constructive to its end,’ she wrote. Her stance highlights the growing ideological divide within the Democratic Party over Israel’s military actions and the role of U.S. support in the conflict.
The clash underscores the broader tensions within the progressive wing of the party, as figures like Ocasio-Cortez face pressure to adopt a more critical stance toward Israel’s policies. Meanwhile, the DSA’s criticism of the amendment reflects a broader movement within the left to hold the Democratic Party accountable for its financial support of Israeli military actions.