JEWISH INSIDER
Smith says he was pressured to vote against Israel aid by violent, far-left activists
Matthew Shea
July 16, 2026

Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, indicated  he voted to cut off military aid to Israel in part because of sustained personal threats against his family and his staff, part of what  he described as a violent and relentless campaign of intimidation by far-left anti-Israel activists. Smith voted on Wednesday to support an amendment introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) to strip $3.3 billion in U.S. aid to Israel from the 2027 State Department appropriations bill — a major reversal by the hawkish Democrat after he previously told Jewish Insider he planned to oppose the measure….“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,” Smith said in a statement on X. READ MORE

THE HILL 100 House Democrats vote to cut off aid to Israel, showcasing party shift House Democrats split nearly evenly on a Wednesday amendment to cut off U.S. aid to Israel, showcasing how the contentious issue is reshaping the political dynamics in the party. The amendment spearheaded by Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) was presumed to be a doomed show vote, but it provided a test for Democrats who have been increasingly under pressure from the activist base over Israel. The amendment failed 104-314-10, with 103 Democrats voting in favor, 98 Democrats voting against, and 10 voting present. Massie was the only Republican who supported the amendment.