California Democrats Sued Over Support for Israel’s Military Aid

Two California House Democrats, Reps. Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman, are under fire from anti-Israel groups after their vote earlier this year to approve $26.38 billion in military aid to Israel. A group of Northern California residents has filed a lawsuit against the congressmen, claiming their support for the funding caused “moral and emotional/psychic injury” to taxpayers.

The plaintiffs aim to prevent the lawmakers from endorsing future military assistance to Israel, an effort that echoes broader anti-Israel activism in the U.S. However, similar lawsuits have failed in the past. In 2023, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey White dismissed a similar suit demanding the Biden administration withdraw support for Israel’s actions against Hamas. Despite rejecting that lawsuit, White controversially suggested that Israel’s actions might constitute “genocide,” a claim heavily disputed by experts and Israel’s defenders.

The recent lawsuit comes amid heightened tensions following Hamas’ brutal October 7 massacre, which claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives. Israel’s subsequent military response in Gaza has drawn international scrutiny, with critics alleging excessive force. But proponents of U.S. aid to Israel, like Thompson, argue the Jewish state has a right to defend itself against terrorism.

In a statement after the attack, Thompson affirmed Israel’s right to self-defense, while urging adherence to international law. “President Biden is correct in reminding Israel that its military response must respect international law,” he said. “Every effort must be made to minimize non-combatant civilian casualties and avoid any form of collective punishment.”

Thompson’s office later emphasized the human toll of Hamas’ actions and called for a ceasefire, hostage release, and a two-state solution.

Adding to the controversy, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the United Nations Special Advisor on the Prevention of Genocide, was dismissed after refusing to declare Israel’s military actions as “genocide.” According to The Wall Street Journal, Nderitu maintained that Israel’s campaign against Hamas did not meet the legal definition of genocide, as it targets a terrorist organization rather than an ethnic group.

The lawsuit against Thompson and Huffman reflects a growing divide in U.S. politics over support for Israel. While Democrats have traditionally backed military aid to Israel, a vocal faction within the party has begun to question this longstanding alliance.

As Israel continues its campaign to dismantle Hamas, debates over U.S. foreign aid and the ethical considerations of military engagement will likely intensify. For lawmakers like Thompson and Huffman, their decisions underscore the complex balance between supporting a key ally and addressing domestic dissent.

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