U.S. Rep. Nellie Pou (D-9) today voted against an appropriations amendment that would strip all funding for Israel, including zeroing out funding for the Middle East Partnership for Peace, aid for the Middle East Regional Cooperation program, and funding for refugee resettlement in Israel.

“The relationship between the United States and Israel is a long one. The U.S. was the first nation to recognize Israel over 88 years ago. But no relationship, no matter how close, can be without limits. The time has come to reevaluate our foreign aid policy with respect to Israel, but this amendment stripping funding for pathways to peace is the wrong path.

“I, along with my constituents and millions of Americans, have watched the last few years in disappointment and outrage. Through its actions, the rightwing-led Netanyahu government has committed destructive acts against the Palestinian people on a devastating scale. Furthermore, the rightwing Netanyahu government continues to sanction rampant violence and illegal settlements across the West Bank, which is categorically unacceptable. Through its collective actions, Israel has set back the cause of peace for years. I firmly believe there must be consequences for the far-right Netanyahu government’s actions. Bad actions left unchecked always continue.

“But this amendment is not even remotely a serious solution. If enacted, it would impose savage cuts on critical programs protecting refugees and promoting peace. Furthermore, I believe the amendment’s motivations are rooted in the sponsor’s bitterness, in antisemitism, and a desire to rip apart the Democratic Party. Finally, this amendment would be dead on arrival in the Senate. Taken together, I will never use cynical political ploys to make momentous decisions for America.

“I will always support Israel’s existence as a Jewish state but a strong US-Israel relationship must be anchored in the shared values of democracy and humanity. That is why the Israeli government must change course to reason. Such a government is essential to achieving a two-state solution and long-lasting peace. If Israel does not change course, it will continue to lose generations of goodwill and support from Americans.”

Congresswoman Pou is a cosponsor of The West Bank Violence Prevention Act (H.R. 3045), which would require sanctions against foreign individuals responsible for or supporting illegal violence, terrorism, forced displacement, or property destruction in the West Bank. The bill would freeze their U.S.-based assets, bar them from entering the United States, and require regular reports to Congress on the law’s implementation and those sanctioned under the law.