Palestinian Americans Push Back Against U.S. Arms Deal as Lawmakers Grapple with Policy Shifts

Palestinian Voices in Washington

On a Tuesday marked by political tension and humanitarian urgency, more than 300 Palestinian Americans gathered at the U.S. Capitol to press lawmakers on a controversial arms deal between the United States and Israel. Organized by Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action), this event underscored a rising grassroots movement that challenges both U.S. foreign policy and domestic political norms.

The core issue at hand was the recently approved Trump administration plan to transfer $2.8 billion in military equipment to Israel, including 20,000 MK-84 bombs — known for causing extensive civilian casualties — and 20,000 BLU-117s, a close-range variant used in targeted attacks. This move has ignited widespread backlash not only from advocacy groups but also from lawmakers who are beginning to reconsider the long-standing U.S.-Israel military alliance.

For many participants, the day was personal. Jenna Escheik, a 19-year-old originally from outside Ramallah, met with Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and Republican Representative Rob Wittman. "I think the main point that we're trying to get across to every single office is that we're all proud to be American," she said, emphasizing her desire to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not fund military actions that harm civilians.

Yaseen Shaikh, a 22-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio, met with Republican Senator Jon Husted and Senator Bernie Moreno — both of whom have consistently voted against legislation to restrict arms sales to Israel. "As I stand among my peers here, among people who I stand on their shoulders, I can only feel hopeful and optimistic that we will make a difference," he stated, reflecting the generational shift in perspectives.

Historical Context and Growing Opposition

The debate over U.S. military aid to Israel is not new. For decades, both Democratic and Republican administrations have maintained strong support for the alliance, often citing strategic interests and shared values. Yet, recent events have prompted a reevaluation. The ongoing war in Gaza, now nearing its third year, has led to nearly 74,000 Palestinian deaths, including over 1,400 since the October 2025 ceasefire agreement.

Despite public opinion polls showing majority support for conditioning at least some military aid, and growing sentiment in favor of Palestinian rights, political resistance remains entrenched. However, signs of change are emerging — particularly within the Democratic Party. In July last year, 26 Democrats voted to block arms transfers to Israel, marking a historic moment. In April, 40 Democrats supported similar legislation, though it ultimately failed.

Advocates are also pushing for broader legislative action. The proposed Block the Bombs Act, which seeks partial arms embargoes on Israel, has garnered 81 co-sponsors as of August. Meanwhile, a resolution introduced by 22 Democratic senators calls for an investigation into Israeli violence in the West Bank — a move aimed at holding accountable those responsible for ongoing abuses.

"I think now we are functioning within this context, where what happens in Palestine, the genocide that took place and continues to take place, what the terrorist settlers are doing in the West Bank, what the US and Israel are doing in the Middle East is catching up with us here, and we're paying a price," said Osama Abu Irshaid, executive director of AJP Action.

Abu Irshaid's words echo a sentiment shared by many activists who argue that the U.S. government must acknowledge its complicity in ongoing human rights violations. What is clear is that this advocacy isn't just political — it's deeply moral and grounded in lived experience.

The Political Divide Within the GOP

While Democratic lawmakers are showing signs of dissent, Republicans remain largely aligned in their support for Israel. Yet even within the party, cracks are forming. A December poll by the IMEU Policy Project found that a majority of Republicans under 45 prefer presidential candidates who support reducing taxpayer-funded arms to Israel.

This shift could be significant as the 2028 election approaches. "I think what we're seeing now is that the dam within the Republican Party is cracking," said Abu Irshaid. "But the question is, 'What is after Donald Trump when Donald Trump no longer owns the Republican Party, owns the MAGA movement?' I think that's when you will see more cracks taking place."

The growing divide within the GOP suggests a potential sea change — one that could reshape not only American foreign policy but also global dynamics in the region. The stakes have never been higher.

Justice and Immigration: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Beyond military policy, Palestinian Americans are also pushing back against what they see as a troubling trend in immigration enforcement. The Trump administration has used provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act to deport individuals deemed to pose a threat to U.S. foreign policy — often targeting those advocating for Palestinian rights.

Salah Sarsour, president of the Islamic Society of Milwaukee, was detained by ICE in April before being released in June. His case illustrates how advocacy can lead to detention and deportation — even for long-term residents. "Those criminals that [detained me], they still exist," he said. "The same criminals that destroy Gaza... they killed tens of thousands of children and women, and men and family members."

Leqaa Kordia, who spent 368 days in ICE detention following pro-Palestinian protests in 2024, echoed Sarsour's sentiments. "The same system that threw me in an ICE jail is the same system that funds and arms the military prisons in Israel," she said.

Kordia and others argue that the U.S. government must confront its own contradictions — how it simultaneously defends human rights abroad while engaging in practices that undermine them domestically. This parallel between domestic immigration enforcement and international military action highlights a troubling pattern: when justice is delayed or denied, the cycle of harm perpetuates.

Conclusion: A Movement Gaining Ground

The gathering at the Capitol was more than an advocacy event; it was a declaration of purpose. For Palestinian Americans, it's about demanding that their voices be heard — not just in Washington, but globally. It's about ensuring accountability for U.S. actions and rethinking alliances based on principle rather than politics alone.

As pressure mounts on lawmakers to reassess the current trajectory of U.S.-Israel relations, the movement led by groups like AJP Action stands as a powerful reminder that change often begins not in grand gestures, but in quiet conversations between citizens and their representatives. Whether this shift will translate into lasting policy reform remains to be seen — but one thing is certain: the conversation has begun.