Republican House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said that Democrats are being influenced by their “radical” and “antisemitic” members because they pulled funding from Israel’s Iron Dome defense system.
“Democrats just pulled funding from the Iron Dome — the missile defense system that has saved countless lives in Israel from Hamas’ rocket attacks,” McCarthy tweeted Tuesday afternoon.
He also emphasized Republicans’ support for Israel. (RELATED: Democrats Advance $3.5 Trillion Budget Blueprint, Breaking Hours-Long Stalemate Between Pelosi, Moderates)
“While Dems capitulate to the antisemitic influence of their radical members, Republicans will always stand with Israel.”
BREAKING → Democrats just pulled funding from the Iron Dome—the missile defense system that has saved countless lives in Israel from Hamas’ rocket attacks.
While Dems capitulate to the antisemitic influence of their radical members, Republicans will always stand with Israel.
— Kevin McCarthy (@GOPLeader) September 21, 2021
Progressive Democrats pushed back against a government funding package because it provided funding for the Iron Dome, a defense system designed to intercept and destroy rockets. In response to the pushback, Democratic leaders pulled $1 billion in funding for the Iron Dome from the bill on Tuesday, minutes before a procedural vote was set to take place, according to Politico.
An Appropriations Committee spokesperson told the outlet that funding for the Iron Dome would instead be included in the annual defense bill.
The Democrats who objected to funding the Iron Dome included those who were against a $750 million arms sale to Israel in May, during the height of the conflict between Israel and Palestine, two people familiar with the matter told Politico. Democratic Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Mark Pocan, and Bernie Sanders are a few of the Democrats who opposed the arms sale.
Republicans plan to reject the funding package, which is expected to pass in the House and fail in the Senate.