Axios
Follow
House Dems help GOP kill another Lebanon war powers vote
House Democrats largely rejected a measure aimed at restricting U.S. military assistance to Israel's operations in Lebanon. This resolution, introduced by Representative Rashida Tlaib, failed with a vote of 189 to 235. Significantly fewer Democrats voted against this attempt compared to an earlier one, with Democratic leadership now supporting the measure. The revised resolution included language exempting U.S. troops supporting the Lebanese military against Hezbollah and protecting diplomatic facilities. This compromise was a result of negotiations between Tlaib and Democratic leadership after the initial resolution failed. Some centrist Democrats opposed the measure, arguing it addressed a non-existent problem as the U.S. is not directly involved in conflict in Lebanon. This vote occurred shortly after Israel and Lebanon signed an agreement to end hostilities. The political landscape within the Democratic party is tense, with recent primary results showing the unseating of pro-Israel Democrats. Many Democrats feel pressured to vote on restricting aid to Israel, even if they substantively disagree.