Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Says She Will Oppose All Military Aid to Israel: 'Won't Support Congress Sending Taxpayer Dollars'

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) has declared that she will vote against any military aid to Israel, including defensive supplies. The decision marks a shift from her previous stance, where she supported Israel's Iron Dome defense system.

A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez told CNN that she informed members of the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America on Tuesday that she would oppose any spending for military aid for Israel. City & Stat efirst reported her updated stance.

Ocasio-Cortez, who might run for President in the 2028 elections, issued a statement on Wednesday, saying, "I believe 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 then added, "Consistent with my voting record to date, I will not support Congress sending more taxpayer dollars and military aid to a government that consistently ignores international law and U.S. law."

"Our allies who need our military aid must understand that we will provide it consistent with the Leahy amendment," Ocasio-Cortez added. According to NBC News, the Leahy-Law prohibits the U.S. from sending assistance to foreign military forces that commit human rights violations.

Ocasio-Cortez has long opposed Israel, but her stance on defensive aid to the country has changed over the years. Previously, she had voted against providing aid to Israel that could be used for offensive purposes but had supported the country's Iron Dome defense system. In 2024, the Democratic Representative joined progressive lawmakers in signing a letter opposing the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel, while extending support for "strengthening the Iron Dome and other defense systems."

Her stance did not sit well with some segments of the far left, including DSA. In 2024, the DSA stated that it would support Ocasio-Cortez only if she publicly opposed all funding to Israel, including for the Iron Dome.

According to NBC News, DSA issued a statement after Ocasio-Cortez's recent announcement, with national co-chair Megan Romer saying, "DSA's endorsement process begins at the local chapter level, and NYC-DSA is still in the middle of that process, but we are happy to see the congresswoman engaging with her fellow chapter members in a discussion."

The news outlet reported that Gustavo Gordilo, a co-chair of the New York City chapter of the DSA, said that the group welcomed Ocasio-Cortez's updated stance. The chapter also began voting on Wednesday on whether to back her reelection, with the process set to conclude in a week.

Ocasio-Cortez's comments come at a pivotal point when U.S. voter support for Israel has dropped considerably. Many Democratic Party members are also growing critical of the Israeli government and the pro-Israel lobbying groups. Her position also sets her apart from party leaders and other Democratic presidential contenders if she decides to run for the White House.