Legislators of Indian American descent at odds over Israel funding deal

April 22 :
The House of Representatives passed the Israel Security Appropriations Act on Apr. 20, although several Indian American members have taken opposing positions.

Israel would get around US$26.38 billion as part of the aid package, with $17 billion going towards military assistance. The prime minister of Israel expressed his gratitude for the donations, saying, "When Israel is strong, the US is more secure."

Their votes against H.R. 8034 are votes against providing more offensive weapons that could lead to more killings of civilians in Rafah and elsewhere," Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Ro Khanna, along with almost twenty other legislators, stated. Along with our colleagues, we have repeatedly affirmed our common support to Israel's right to self-defense, and this belief remains unchanged.

A future for Israel that is sovereign, safe, and secure is something we are all dedicated to, and we all agree that defence systems like the Iron Dome ought to be strengthened. In order to safeguard that future, it is our firm belief that the United States should play a role in bringing about a truce that unlocks captives, permits the delivery of humanitarian relief, and initiates peace talks," the statement continued.

However, the bill had the backing of top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Ami Bera, and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi.

Iran launched a historic drone and missile attack on Israel last weekend, highlighting the superiority of Israel's defence capabilities. For the sake of Israel's and its people's safety, this law restocks the Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defence systems and gives other essential security aid. "I continue to back the Biden administration's initiatives to de-escalate the situation and bring stability back to the region," Bera stated.