Pelosi joins Progressive members in demanding halt to U.S. weapons transfers to Israel
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California has added her voice to a call by progressive members of Congress urging the United States to cease transferring weapons to Israel following a tragic strike that resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers in Gaza.
This move represents a significant shift in stance towards Israel by a traditionally strong American ally and underlines the deepening divides between Democrats and the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The letter, spearheaded by Representatives Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Jim McGovern of Massachusetts, and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois, was issued on Friday and endorsed by 37 other Democrats, including Pelosi.
In their communication to President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the lawmakers expressed, “In light of the recent strike against aid workers and the escalating humanitarian crisis, we find it indefensible to authorize these weapons transfers.”
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When questioned about her support for the letter, Pelosi’s office referred to a statement she issued following the World Central Kitchen attack, urging Israel to facilitate the passage of crucial aid into Gaza. Pelosi emphasized, “Hunger cannot be a weapon of war.”
The letter, issued subsequent to the Israeli Defense Force’s preliminary investigation report on the incident, calls for an independent inquiry. This demand has garnered backing from an increasing number of Democrats as they cast doubt on the credibility of the IDF’s internal investigation.
In the event that the strike is determined to have breached U.S. or international laws, the legislators are demanding that weapons transfers be suspended until those responsible are held to account.
The repercussions of this call could impact forthcoming congressional deliberations on providing aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, with more Democrats expressing reservations about extending unconditional military assistance.
Representative Pocan conveyed to Axios, “There’s no doubt Benjamin Netanyahu is causing more individuals to hesitate… and Chef Andrés, leader of World Central Kitchen, is regarded as somewhat of a folk hero. His vocal concerns are certainly causing increased deliberation.”
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