Kamlager-Dove Statement on Offensive Military Aid to the Netanyahu Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) issued the following statement about her position on unconditional offensive military aid to the Netanyahu government:

"I believe the state of Israel has the right to exist and ensure its self-defense. But Prime Minister Netanyahu does not have the right to misuse U.S. assistance to undermine U.S. and Israeli security and commit gross violations of human rights. That is why, even as I will continue to support the provision of defensive equipment to Israel like Iron Dome, I can no longer support unconditional offensive military aid to the Netanyahu government.

"In the aftermath of October 7th, I stood by Israel’s right to self-defense. As my concerns grew with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s misuse of U.S. military assistance to commit human rights violations and prolong the conflict, I worked to ensure my concerns were represented by the Biden Administration in private conversations with the Israeli government. Even with a change in Administration under Trump, I was careful to protect the momentum I was seeing toward a ceasefire agreement.

"But Netanyahu’s pattern of using U.S. military aid to prolong conflict and retain his own hold on power has continued uninterrupted. His prosecution of the war in Gaza, his repeated violation of the ceasefire agreement, his growing annexation of the West Bank, and his advocacy for the U.S. war against Iran have repeatedly sabotaged lasting peace in the region.

"For these reasons, I will not support unconditional offensive military aid to the Netanyahu government."