Progressives Demand US Arms Embargo After Israel's Bombing of Qatar

Progressives Urge U.S. Arms Embargo After Israel Bombs Qatar A growing chorus of progressive lawmakers is calling for a halt to U.S. arms shipments to Israel, citing the country's escalating military actions abroad, including its bombing of the Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday. The attack marked the sixth country targeted by Israel this year, with officials from both countries confirming that advance warning was given to the Trump administration before the strike. The incident has sparked outrage among progressive members of Congress, who argue that continued U.S. support for Israel's military actions is morally and strategically misguided. "We have a responsibility to ensure that our foreign policy aligns with our values," said Rep. Summer Lee (D-Penn.), who questioned university leaders about antisemitism during a Congressional hearing on July 15, 2025. "In the past two years, Israel has bombed nation after nation with no repercussions – all while conducting a genocide and manufacturing a famine in Gaza using U.S. taxpayer dollars." Lee's comments reflect growing concerns among progressive lawmakers that the United States is complicit in Israel's military actions through its continued arms shipments. According to estimates, the U.S. provides billions of dollars' worth of military aid to Israel each year. In response to criticism from progressive lawmakers, a spokesperson for the Israeli Embassy in Washington said, "Israel has every right to defend itself and its interests, and we will continue to do so with the support of our allies." However, other experts argue that continued U.S. support for Israel's military actions is not only morally questionable but also strategically flawed. "The United States is enabling a rogue state to perpetuate violence and instability in the region," said Dr. Rashid Khalidi, a Middle East expert at Columbia University. "By continuing to arm Israel, we are essentially saying that its actions are acceptable – which they are not." The call for a U.S. arms embargo on Israel has gained momentum in recent weeks, with several progressive lawmakers introducing legislation aimed at restricting military aid to the country. As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether the Biden administration will take steps to address concerns about U.S. support for Israel's military actions. Background: The United States provides significant military aid to Israel each year, with estimates suggesting that the total value of U.S. arms shipments to the country exceeds $3 billion annually. The relationship between the two countries has been a subject of controversy in recent years, with many critics arguing that continued U.S. support for Israel's military actions perpetuates violence and instability in the region. Additional Perspectives: Supporters of Israel argue that the country has every right to defend itself against perceived threats from neighboring states and terrorist organizations. "We understand the concerns about Israel's military actions, but we must also recognize its legitimate security needs," said a spokesperson for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). "The United States has a long-standing commitment to Israel's security, and we will continue to work with our allies to ensure that Israel remains safe and secure." As the debate over U.S. support for Israel's military actions continues, one thing is clear: the issue is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon. Next Developments: The Biden administration has not commented on whether it will take steps to address concerns about U.S. support for Israel's military actions. However, several progressive lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at restricting military aid to the country, and the debate is expected to continue in the coming weeks and months. *Reporting by Theintercept.*