REP. SMITH STATEMENT ON HIS VOTE IN SUPPORT OF MASSIE AMENDMENT #8

Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today issued the following statement after the vote on Massie Amendment #8 to the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act:

“This was a very close vote for me. I am a supporter of Israel, and I recognize they are under profound existential threat. We should not forget October 7th or the reality that Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran want to eliminate Israel. I also recognize that many of those who want the U.S. to completely abandon Israel do not support Israel’s right to exist and are willfully blind to the dangerous, violent, extremist beliefs of Hamas and others who threaten Israel. 

“I am deeply concerned about the tactics used by those on the far left to advocate for cutting off aid to Israel. To date, my family and I have had our home vandalized, a fire has been set in my driveway, my neighbors’ lives have been disrupted by demonstrations in the middle of the night, town halls meant to be forums for dialogue have been shut down, and a staff member has been physically assaulted. Those who engage in this type of behavior model a dangerous form of corrosive politics that seeks to intimidate those who disagree with them. We must be able to have civil discourse if we want to solve difficult problems, and I remain committed to open, respectful engagement.

“Despite my support for Israel, for over two years I have been incredibly frustrated by Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government and its total war approach in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and even at times in Syria. I understand that Israel has to confront threats to their existence and cannot let them go unchecked. Many of the people calling for a ceasefire on October 8th were people who wanted Hamas to succeed in destroying Israel. But Israel does not have to fight the way they have chosen to do so—a way that has caused enormous suffering and led to endless war. I have also been frustrated by Netanyahu’s refusal to find partners for peace amongst the Palestinian people. And I am absolutely appalled by the actions of Ministers Smotrich and Ben Gvir in the Israeli cabinet. Their callous disregard for human suffering is constant and undermines the credibility of Israel. Lastly, Israel’s actions in the West Bank are indefensible. Lawless settlers commit violence against Palestinians and conduct land grabs while the IDF does little or nothing to stop them.

“But after nearly two years of me raising these concerns with the Israeli government and U.S. supporters of Israel, nothing has changed. Many express sympathy for my views and assure me things will change, but that has not happened. I take this vote to try once more to get the attention of the Israeli government. 

“I still support Israel. I recognize the threats they face. But I have an obligation to try to get the attention of the Netanyahu government to force them to change their actions. My vote to stop $3.3 billion in military assistance to Israel is my effort to do that.”