US lawmakers overwhelmingly show support for Israel as it begins retaliation against Iran

• Published date: 20 April 2024
• Author: HANNAH SARISOHN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The 13 most progressive members of the Democratic party and one Republican voted against the legislatively symbolic resolution

While Progressive Caucus member Rep. Mark Pocan (D-MI) voted in favor of Thursday's resolution, he's been heavily critical of Israel's conduct during the war and quickly condemned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for retaliating against Iran.

This is why the US "can't continue to supply Netanyahu with offensive weapons," Pocan said.

"He's going to bring us into a broader conflict we asked him not to do. His interests are NOT the United States interests," Pocan said on X. "I hope calmer heads prevail in Iran but doubt it. This could be very, very bad."

Pocan said since October 7 he's been worried about a strategy by Netanyahu to make this a broader conflict by bringing in the US.

The Netanyahu concern

"No American soldier should ever risk their life for another govt leaders' actions. I worry Netanyahu can't be trusted with offensive weapons from the US," Pocan added with the emojis of a peace sign, the Israeli flag and the Palestinian flag.

Moderate Democrats and Republicans were quick to express their support for Israel.

Staunch Israel supporter Rep. Richie Torres (D-NY) said Israel has a right to defend itself from both direct and indirect forms of Iranian aggression.

"Iran fired hundreds of drones and missiles against Israel with the intent to inflict mass casualties," Torres said on X. "Iran has financed terror threats like Hezbollah, which has displaced...