Khaberni - Progressive American Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, posed as a potential candidate for the 2028 American presidential elections, committed to voting against any military funding for Israel, including “defense” systems like the Iron Dome, a stance seen as strengthening her position within the progressive current and supporting her future political ambitions. This was announced during a private meeting held on Tuesday evening with an influential progressive organization in New York City, with observers noting that these statements also reflect a “decline of Israel’s position.”
During the meeting with the New York branch of the Democratic Socialists of America, some activists considered Ocasio-Cortez's abstention in 2021 from voting on the Iron Dome funding package—where she chose to vote “present”—as a “major betrayal” of the struggle for Palestinian rights and opposing Israeli policies towards them, according to the “Common Dreams” platform.
Reportedly, the representative reignited the ire of solidarity activists again in 2024 when she voted in favor of a resolution adopting a definition of anti-Semitism that conflates the concept with criticism of Israel, and last year she voted against an amendment aimed at removing funding for the Iron Dome from a basic defense bill. Despite this, she later voted against the same defense appropriations bill, which included funding for offensive weapons for Israel.
Clear Commitment to Reject Weapon Funding
During the meeting, Ocasio-Cortez was asked whether she would support imposing a ban on arming Israel, which has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since the beginning of its American-backed offensive in 2023, and is currently involved in attacks on Iran, in addition to over one thousand people killed in the region last month.
She answered: “I have never voted in favor of funding for Israel, and I never will. The Israeli government should fund its own weapons if it wants to arm itself.”
When directly asked whether she would commit to voting “no” on any military spending for Israel, including what is called “defensive capabilities,” she clearly answered: “Yes.”
Additional Positions Regarding the Definition of Anti-Semitism
Members of the organization also reported that Ocasio-Cortez pledged to oppose the “International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance” definition of anti-Semitism, which considers denying Jews’ right to self-determination, describing the existence of the state of Israel as a racist endeavor, or comparing its policies to Nazism, as anti-Semitic.
Convergence with the Progressive Stream within the Democratic Party
These positions align with the orientations of progressive representatives like Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar, although observers pointed out that Ocasio-Cortez's pledge to reject all military funding for Israel comes at a time when her name is being circulated as a possible candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
According to strategic expert Chris Sosa, her stance “will resonate within the Democratic Party” and could become a new standard for evaluating candidates.
Decline in Israel’s Popularity and Economic Impacts
On his part, journalist Ryan Grim observed that Israel’s current popularity might be at its lowest, predicting that it would bear a significant part of the blame for the financial crisis and the potential recession resulting from the American-Israeli war on Iran, noting that continuing to push towards war could possibly increase popular anger.
He added that "Ocasio-Cortez's distancing from supporting Israel is an important indicator of her declining position."
Polls and the Changing American Mood
A recent poll showed that the number of Americans who view Israel negatively now exceeds those who view it positively, compared to 2023 when the positive view was much higher.
Division within the Democrats Regarding Arming Israel
In contrast, some activists believe that Ocasio-Cortez's stance distinguishes her from prominent Democratic figures like Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, who have not supported imposing a ban on arming Israel.
Organizers pointed out that these figures might continue to receive significant financial support from pro-Israel organizations, making a change in their stance less likely.
“Leadership Reflecting the Demands of the Democratic Base”
As traditional party leadership continues to support military funding for Israel, progressive activists considered Ocasio-Cortez’s pledge the “right stance,” reflecting the type of leadership Democratic voters desire
