Portrait of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Politician · country
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez on Palestine

Two-state supporter arms critic (strong) Position evolved

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez maintains a progressive stance regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, publicly advocating for a two-state solution and expressing opposition to the occupation of the West Bank.

She has been highly critical of the Israeli government's military actions, especially following the October 7 attacks, calling Israel's subsequent assault on Gaza and the resulting famine a genocide.

Ocasio-Cortez advocates for restricting US military support to Israel, specifically by halting offensive weapons transfers, though she distinguishes this from defensive systems like the Iron Dome, a point that has generated internal backlash from progressive allies.

Context

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's position on Palestine is a key aspect of her foreign policy platform, which is generally progressive and aligns her with the left wing of the Democratic Party.

Her views contrast with many long-standing, bipartisan stances in Congress regarding unconditional support for Israel. As a prominent progressive voice and member of the Squad, her statements carry significant weight in debates about US military aid and diplomatic engagement in the Middle East.

Timeline

  1. Ocasio-Cortez voted against a resolution affirming Israel is not an apartheid state, signaling early divergence from mainstream Democratic foreign policy on the issue.
  2. She shifted her vote on Iron Dome funding from 'no' to 'present', a move that drew immediate backlash from progressive groups who wanted a firm 'no' vote.
  3. The DSA withdrew its endorsement partly due to her stance on Palestine, specifically after she supported a resolution labeling denial of Israel's right to exist as antisemitism.
  4. She cosponsored legislation to stop offensive weapons transfers to Israel and boycotted Netanyahu's address, while still distinguishing between offensive and defensive aid.

Actions Taken

  1. Voting Record
    Voted against a resolution that characterized the State of Israel as not a racist or apartheid state and affirmed staunch US partnership.
  2. Voting Record
    Voted to withdraw US military aid for Saudi Arabia's intervention in Yemen, aligning with critics of US military involvement abroad.
  3. Voting Record
    Abruptly changed her vote from 'no' to 'present' on a bill providing funding for Israel's Iron Dome defense system, facing left-wing criticism.
  4. Legislation
    Cosponsored the "Block the Bombs Act" to stop the US from providing Israel with multiple offensive weapons, citing the Gaza situation.
  5. Political Action
    Boycotted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's 2024 address to Congress, labeling him a war criminal.

Key Quotes

Apartheid states aren't democracies.

Social Media Post January 1, 2021 — Stating her view on a state that she views as practicing apartheid.

horrifying attacks against innocent civilians

Social Media Post October 8, 2023 — Condemning the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

We must call out the genocide occurring in Gaza

Official Statement/Social Media March 1, 2024 — Regarding the ongoing Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip and famine.

Related Positions

  • Halting Offensive Weapons Transfers to Israel This is a central policy she advocates for, aimed at conditioning US military aid based on Israeli conduct.
  • Two-State Solution This is her stated ultimate goal for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Criticism

Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) National Political Committee (NPC)

Withdrew endorsement due to her support for a resolution characterizing denial of Israel's right to exist as antisemitism and for co-signing press releases supporting the Iron Dome defense system.

Progressives on the Left

Criticized her vote change to 'present' on Iron Dome funding in 2021 and her vote against cutting its funding in 2025, viewing it as insufficient pressure on Israel.

Sources3

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.