The US Should Cut All Aid to Israel Based on Shifting Democratic Opinion and Historical Precedent
Source: Corey Robin. "A Simple Demand: No Aid to Israel." March 18, 2026. jacobin.com
The Gist
Since most Democrats now support Palestinians over Israelis, progressive groups should demand that presidential candidates promise to cut off all US aid to Israel. This mirrors successful historical movements that made simple, direct demands like ending the Vietnam War.
Conclusion
The US should unite around and back a presidential candidate who commits to cutting off all military and nonmilitary aid to Israel
Premises
- 67% of Democrats now sympathize with Palestinians over Israelis, representing a dramatic shift from 18% in 2013
- 37% of independents sympathize with Palestinians versus 27% with Israelis, nearly reversing 2013 numbers
- This opinion shift is driving Democratic primary contests and will shape the 2028 presidential primary
- Israel fits the description of dictators, death squads, and homicidal regimes that the US historically opposed in Central America
- Historical precedent shows simple, direct demands work - the Vietnam antiwar movement's 'Out Now' demand was ultimately successful
- Progressive movements have successfully shaped public opinion through BDS and other campaigns, now it's time to translate opinion into policy action
Assumptions
- Public opinion shifts should directly translate into foreign policy changes
- Historical analogies between Vietnam/Central America and Israel-Palestine are valid and applicable
- Israel's actions constitute sufficient moral grounds to end the US-Israel relationship entirely
- Progressive voters will prioritize this issue enough to influence candidate selection
- Complete aid cutoff is more effective than graduated pressure or conditional aid