In the early hours of March 18, 2025, Israeli airstrikes shattered a fragile ceasefire in Gaza, resulting in over 400 Palestinian deaths, including many children. This tragic escalation will likely intensify global scrutiny of U.S. military aid to Israel, especially as conservative voices within the United States are already beginning to question the longstanding policy of unconditional support.
The Heritage Foundation, a prominent conservative think tank renowned for its role in crafting Project 2025, recently published a report titled “From Special Relationship to Strategic Partnership, 2029–2047.” The report advocates for a phased reduction in American military assistance to Israel, citing the nation’s economic and military self-reliance.
This proposal was swiftly condemned by the Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI), a leading pro-Israel lobbying organization. In a statement, DMFI asserted, “This proposal represents a betrayal of America’s longstanding, mutually beneficial commitment to Israel’s security that has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Israel relations for more than 75 years.”
House Democrat Steny Hoyer, a staunch advocate for Israel, also criticized the report, labeling it “both wrong and dangerous.” Hoyer, who has received at least $1.82 million from pro-Israel donors, has been instrumental in securing substantial taxpayer-funded aid for Israel. In November 2023, he issued a press release demanding that “Congress Must Immediately and Unconditionally Fund Israel Aid”—a demand that was subsequently met.
To be clear @RepStenyHoyer considers a plan giving Israel $76B+ in direct aid alone through 2047—the longest, most generous aid package in U.S. history—”cutting off military assistance” and a “wrong and dangerous” move that would endanger Israel, America, and the entire region. https://t.co/yrqzOB1rU1
— The United States of Israel (@IsraeliLobby) March 13, 2025
Despite its new stance on aid, the Heritage Foundation has historically been a strong supporter of Israel. The think tank has collaborated with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) to counter criticism of Israel on U.S. college campuses and was instrumental in developing “Project Esther,” a strategy aimed at curbing criticism of Israel on college campuses.
The Trump administration maintains a close relationship with Heritage, implementing many of its proposals since returning to power. However, this recent stance on aid to Israel follows a notable visit to Washington by Israeli lawmaker Amit Halevi, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party.
During his 10-day visit, Halevi advocated for reducing U.S. military aid, arguing that such assistance portrays Israel as weak and overly dependent. He met with Heritage leadership accompanied by Gideon Israel, head of the Jerusalem-Washington Center, an organization that advises Republican lawmakers on Israel policy.
While Democratic-aligned pro-Israel groups like DMFI have vocally opposed the Heritage Foundation’s report, Republican-aligned elements of the Israel Lobby have remained notably silent. This silence suggests a potential divide centered around Netanyahu’s leadership, with some Israeli conservatives, including Halevi, acknowledging that overreliance on U.S. aid may harm Israel’s global image.
Israeli warplanes are conducting airstrikes on civilian homes and IDP camps in Gaza, using U.S.-made bombs, resulting in the deaths of women and children as they sleep.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza has said at least 232 people were martyred in the wave of Israeli… pic.twitter.com/saWUjAqPpc
— INDEPENDENT PRESS (@IpIndependent) March 18, 2025
The debate over U.S. military assistance to Israel has also attracted attention from fiscal conservatives. Congressman Thomas Massie, the sole Republican to vote against a $14 billion Israel aid package in 2023, has consistently advocated for ending foreign aid across the board. He recently reiterated his stance: “We should not be borrowing money from China to send it to other countries.”
Massie’s views resonate with a growing segment of right-wing populists who question America’s financial commitments abroad. Recent polling indicates that younger Republican voters are increasingly skeptical of unconditional military aid to Israel.
Despite this emerging skepticism, President Trump has thus far dismissed Heritage’s recommendations. Since resuming office, he has approved $12 billion in military assistance to Israel, including a $4 billion package expedited by bypassing Congress. Concurrently, the U.S. has reduced foreign aid to numerous other allies, including the Lebanese military and key West Asian partners, while maintaining unwavering support to cover Israel’s financial needs.
While their goals are likely not benevolent, the Heritage Foundation’s report represents one of the first significant conservative challenges to Washington’s longstanding pro-Israel stance. As right-wing disapproval of foreign aid grows, and with a notable shift in American public opinion—especially among younger Republicans— previously unassailable U.S. aid to Israel may finally face scrutiny.
Feature photo | People gather in the yard of the Ahli Arab hospital, also known as the Baptist hospital, to mourn and bid farewell to the bodies of victims killed in Israeli bombardment in Gaza City, on March 18, 2025. Majdi Fathi | AP
Robert Inlakesh is a political analyst, journalist and documentary filmmaker currently based in London, UK. He has reported from and lived in the occupied Palestinian territories and hosts the show ‘Palestine Files’. Director of ‘Steal of the Century: Trump’s Palestine-Israel Catastrophe’. Follow him on Twitter @falasteen47
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