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peace process

House Democratic leaders split on measure to cut $3.3B in Israel aid

Illustration accompanying article: House Democratic leaders split on measure to cut $3.3B in Israel aid
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Tuesday he will oppose an amendment by Rep. Thomas Massie to cut $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid to Israel, calling the provision "overly broad."
  • Rep. Pete Aguilar, the third-ranking House Democrat, also said he would oppose the measure, saying the Netanyahu administration has isolated Israel.
  • Progressive Caucus Chair Greg Casar said he will vote yes on the amendment and encouraged colleagues to join him, citing "American people" demanding an end to subsidies for Israel's military.
  • The debate comes as several Democratic incumbents who backed Israel have lost primary challenges, with the issue reshaping the party's internal dynamics.
 2026-07-14 · 4 MIN READ

Aoun to ask Trump to press Israel on southern Lebanon withdrawal framework

Illustration accompanying article: Aoun to ask Trump to press Israel on southern Lebanon withdrawal framework
  • Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must recognize that war will not bring security, and called on Israel to pursue understanding and consensus through diplomacy.
  • Aoun is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump in Washington on July 21, where he plans to press for U.S. pressure on Israel to implement the June 26 framework agreement for a phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
  • The Lebanese Health Ministry reported 4,324 people killed and 12,221 wounded since March 2, when Hezbollah resumed fighting in support of Iran after 15 months of inactivity that followed the Nov. 27, 2024 cease-fire agreement.
  • Aoun's direct engagement with Israel — a move he described as intended to distance Lebanon from Iran's influence — has drawn opposition from Hezbollah, which rejects disarmament and describes the talks as capitulation.
 2026-07-13 · 4 MIN READ
Illustration accompanying article: Gaza peacekeeping force to start with 10 to 20 troops, far short of 20,000 goal