Ocasio-Cortez says US military aid to Israel ‘enabled a genocide in Gaza’

The Guardian World

by Robert Mackey

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York congresswoman, has called for a reevaluation of U.S. military aid to Israel during a panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. She criticized the "unconditional" nature of this assistance and linked it to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that it "enabled a genocide." Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks reflect a growing divide within the Democratic party over U.S.-Israel relations and highlight tensions surrounding foreign policy in the region. During the discussion, Hagar Shezaf of *Haaretz* posed a direct question to Ocasio-Cortez about whether the next Democratic presidential candidate should reconsider military aid to Israel. The congresswoman’s response underscores her stance on holding allies accountable for human rights violations, referencing the Leahy laws—a set of regulations that prohibit U.S. military assistance to foreign governments involved in systematic abuses. Her comments came during a broader debate at the conference about the future of foreign policy and the role of international alliances. Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks are significant on several levels. They signal a potential shift in how the Democratic party approaches its relationship with Israel, particularly as tensions between the two nations have risen over U.S. support for Israeli policies in Gaza. Her invocation of the Leahy laws also brings attention to the broader implications of military aid, not just for Israel but for other global conflicts. This critique aligns with a growing movement within the U.S. to scrutinize foreign policy decisions through a human rights lens. Her comments are likely to spark further debate among policymakers and the public. Critics argue that such statements could strain diplomatic relations and undermine efforts to address complex regional issues. However, supporters view her stance as a necessary step toward ensuring accountability and preventing further atrocities. As the 2028 presidential race approaches, Ocasio-Cortez’s call for reevaluating military aid may influence the party’s foreign policy platform, potentially shaping U.S. engagement in the Middle East and beyond. In an era of heightened geopolitical tensions and human rights concerns, Ocasio-Cortez’s remarks resonate globally. They challenge the status quo of unconditional military support to allies and push for a more ethical approach to international relations. Her participation in the Munich Security Conference highlights the importance

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/14/2026