Ocasio-Cortez Opposes All US Aid to Israel, Including Iron Dome

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York confirmed Tuesday that she will vote against all U.S. military aid to Israel, including funding for defensive systems such as the Iron Dome missile defense program. The announcement came during a private virtual forum with members of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, as part of the group's endorsement process for her reelection.

In response to questions about supporting an arms embargo, Ocasio-Cortez stated, "I have not once ever voted to authorize funding to Israel, and I will never." She added that the Israeli government should finance its own weapons if it chooses to arm itself. When pressed on whether this included so-called defensive capabilities, she replied affirmatively, "Yes." A DSA member responded, "OK, and I want you to know that if and when you do vote no, a ton of us have your back, so thank you." Ocasio-Cortez replied, "I appreciate that, thank you."

In a follow-up statement, the congresswoman elaborated on her position. "The Israeli government is well able to fund the Iron Dome system, which has proven critical to keep innocent civilians safe from rocket attacks and bombardment," she said....