Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) announced Wednesday she will no longer support any U.S. military aid to Israel, including funding for the Iron Dome missile defense system, reversing a position she had held even as she criticized broader arms transfers to the U.S. ally.
Ocasio-Cortez made the announcement on X, citing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government as one that “consistently ignores international law and U.S. law.”
“The Israeli government is well able to fund the Iron Dome system, which has proven critical to keep innocent civilians safe from rocket attacks and bombardment,” she wrote. “I will not support Congress sending more taxpayer dollars and military aid to a government that consistently ignores international law and U.S. law.”
Ocasio-Cortez pointed to Israel’s $45 billion defense budget and Netanyahu’s stated interest in withdrawing from the U.S. Memorandum of Understanding as reasons the country does not need American defense dollars. She also invoked the Leahy amendment and the Foreign Assistance Act, laws that restrict aid to countries credibly accused of gross human rights violations.
The reversal came shortly after a public spat with Young Turks pundit Anna Kasparian, who called out Ocasio-Cortez last week for her record of backing Israel aid. Kasparian’s criticisms amplified longstanding pressure from progressive activists who have demanded total opposition to all U.S. support for Israel.
Ocasio-Cortez reportedly disclosed the position change during a virtual event with the Democratic Socialists of America, which is deeply hostile to Israel. The event was part of the DSA’s endorsement process, suggesting the flip was at least partly tied to the organization’s backing.
The congresswoman had previously justified her Iron Dome support by noting the system protects Israeli civilians from rocket attacks. In 2025, she said opposing Iron Dome funding was not “constructive” to ending the conflict. That rationale appears to have been abandoned.
The shift adds to scrutiny surrounding Ocasio-Cortez as she weighs a potential 2028 Senate or presidential run. Her trip to Munich earlier this year, meant to build foreign policy credibility, drew criticism after she stumbled over questions about Taiwan and incorrectly placed Venezuela in the Southern Hemisphere.
