The voices of Democrats are escalating, demanding the monitoring of American aid to Israel
Several Democratic lawmakers have called for increased oversight of American aid directed to Israel in its war on Gaza. They criticize what they describe as insufficient information on this issue and emphasize the necessity of Congress’s supervision to ensure that the support provided to the Israeli state is not used against civilians in the conflict, according to The Washington Post.
The United States has provided significant financial, military, and political support to Israel since the outbreak of the war with Hamas last October, which has been seen as a green light for the conflict to continue.
The President of the United States is facing significant pressure recently after unprecedented support for the Israeli side. Advocates call for imposing conditions on this aid, including pressuring the Israeli military to stop targeting civilians or even working towards a ceasefire.
On Wednesday, Democratic Representative Jason Crow from Colorado filed the first request for information, describing it as necessary to fulfill his “oversight responsibilities as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.”
In a letter addressed to intelligence officials, the representative sought transparency and additional information on the restrictions imposed by Washington to ensure that Israel does not misuse U.S. intelligence to harm civilians or civilian infrastructure, as well as the extent of coordination and information exchange with Israeli agencies.
Crow wrote, “I am concerned that the widespread use of artillery and airpower in Gaza – and the resulting level of civilian casualties – is a strategic and ethical mistake.”
This position comes after some U.S. officials criticized Benjamin Netanyahu‘s government for its handling of the war and excessive targeting of civilians. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed an agreement with the Israeli side to make changes and shift towards targeting Hamas leaders instead of indiscriminate bombing of Gaza.
After Crow’s request, six Democratic members of the U.S. House of Representatives expressed their concern about the increasing number of civilians killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza. In a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, they conveyed their worries about the “military strategy” of the Israeli government in Gaza and called on Biden to “continue using all his authority to change the military strategy” in Gaza.
The letter, addressed to Biden, bears the signatures of Democratic members Mikie Sherrill, Chrissy Houlahan, Seth Moulton, Abigail Spanberger, Elissa Slotkin, and Representative Crow.
Many opinion polls indicate a decline in President Biden‘s popularity among young Americans, with the consequences of the war in Gaza being one of the reasons for this decline. Reports suggest that Islamic and Arab communities will not vote for Biden in the upcoming presidential elections in highly competitive states due to his strong support for Israel.
