Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), a prominent progressive voice in Congress, is facing sharp political criticism from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
This is due to a vote against an amendment proposed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to block $500 million in U.S. funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
The controversy, which has sparked heated debate within progressive circles, underscores deep divisions over U.S. military aid to Israel and its implications in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The amendment, part of the $832 billion Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2026, is aimed to eliminate funding for Israeli missile defense programs, including the Iron Dome, a system designed to intercept incoming rockets.
The proposal, which was overwhelmingly rejected in a 6-422 vote, was supported by Reps. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Al Green (D-Texas), Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), and Greene herself.
Ocasio-Cortez, however, joined the majority in opposing the amendment, prompting a swift rebuke from the DSA, an organization she has long been associated with.
In a statement released on July 19, the DSA condemned Ocasio-Cortez’s vote, arguing that “an arms embargo means keeping all arms out of the hands of a genocidal military, no exceptions.”
The group accused the Iron Dome, alongside other U.S.-funded systems, of “embolden[ing] Israel to invade or bomb no less than five different countries in the past two years” and described Ocasio-Cortez’s support for its funding as “disappointing and incongruous” given her acknowledgment of Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocidal.
The DSA praised Tlaib, Omar, Lee, and Green for supporting the amendment and urged Ocasio-Cortez to consistently oppose Iron Dome funding in future votes.
AOC Defends Vote on X
Ocasio-Cortez, who voted against the overall defense appropriations bill, defended her decision in a post on X on July 19, emphasizing that Greene’s amendment “does nothing to cut off offensive aid to Israel nor end the flow of US munitions being used in Gaza.”
She argued that the amendment would only eliminate funding for defensive systems like the Iron Dome while leaving offensive weapons, which she claims are responsible for civilian deaths in Gaza, unaffected.
“Of course I voted against it,” she wrote.
“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.
I remain focused on cutting the flow of US munitions that are being used to perpetuate the genocide in Gaza.”
Vandalism and Threats Follow Vote
The backlash intensified over the weekend, with Ocasio-Cortez’s Bronx campaign office vandalized on July 20 with red paint and a sign reading “AOC funds genocide in Gaza,” an act attributed to a group called the Boogie Down Liberation Front.
Her campaign manager, Oliver Hidalgo-Wohlleben, reported that the congresswoman had also received multiple death threats in recent days, prompting discussions with security officials to ensure the safety of Ocasio-Cortez, her staff, and volunteers.
This is not the first time Ocasio-Cortez has faced scrutiny from progressives over her stance on Israel.
In 2021, she drew criticism for voting “present” on a standalone bill to provide $1 billion for the Iron Dome, a decision that led to an emotional moment on the House floor.
In a letter to constituents, she explained that she wept due to “the complete lack of care for the human beings that are impacted by these decisions” and criticized the rushed legislative process that she felt fueled “vitriol” and “racist accusations.”
DSA’s Prior Break with AOC
The DSA’s criticism also builds on prior tensions with Ocasio-Cortez.
In July 2024, the group withdrew its endorsement of her reelection campaign, citing her participation in a panel on antisemitism that they argued conflated anti-Zionism with antisemitism.
Along with her support for a resolution equating denial of Israel’s right to exist with antisemitism.
Supporters of Ocasio-Cortez argue that her vote reflects a nuanced position.
Prioritizing the cessation of offensive U.S. military aid to Israel over symbolic gestures like Greene’s amendment, which they view as politically motivated to sow division.
Critics, however, including some on X, have accused her of betraying her progressive base, with one user stating, “She voted to support funding a genocide.
The squad voted yes to stop funding, but AOC betrayed them all.”
Democratic Party Divide on Israel Deepens
The controversy highlights a broader ideological rift within the Democratic Party over U.S. support for Israel, particularly as the conflict in Gaza continues to draw international condemnation.
Pro-Israel groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) celebrated the amendment’s defeat, calling it a “bipartisan affirmation” of U.S.-Israel ties, while progressive activists argue that any aid to Israel legitimizes its military actions.
Ocasio-Cortez’s office did not respond to requests for further comment.
Her public statements suggest she remains committed to advocating for an end to U.S. support for offensive weapons used in Gaza while navigating the complex politics of defense spending votes.
As the debate rages on, the incident underscores the challenges faced by progressive lawmakers in balancing ideological purity with pragmatic legislative strategy.
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