Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez announced she will vote against all U.S. military aid to Israel, including defensive systems like the Iron Dome. The New York Democrat made the declaration during a virtual forum with the Democratic Socialists of America, marking a significant shift from her previous position that left room for supporting Israel's air defense capabilities.

Ocasio-Cortez has long opposed offensive weapons funding but has been less clear about defensive systems. In 2021, she voted "present" on Iron Dome funding after initially planning to vote no, citing "hateful targeting." Last year, she voted against an amendment to cut Iron Dome funding, arguing it would eliminate defensive capabilities while allowing offensive operations to continue.

Her announcement comes as Democratic support for Israel has declined sharply since the Gaza war. The party has been consumed by debates over its stance toward Israel, with some lawmakers refusing donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Ocasio-Cortez's position now aligns with her criticism that the Israeli government can fund its own defense systems while the U.S. should not support a government that "consistently ignores international law."