One of Congress's most pro-Israel Republicans wants to end direct military aid to Israel. The real question is whether the money disappears—or simply moves somewhere the public can't easily follow.
For many, many reasons I am decidedly on one side of this issue but I also thought that this interview its companion piece were extraordinarily fair, which I value more from someone with Ms. Palmeri’s job description than merely having my own views validated. I would take issue with just one thing, and that is the use of the term ‘antisemitism’ over ‘anti-Zionism’. Not interchangeable, unless one actually believes that the majority of this country, the majority of the populations of the majority of nations on earth, a pretty fair number of Jews are antisemitic.
How did we cut so much spending with DOGE but no changes in support to Israel. Other countries should never be on a retainer off of American tax payers
To shut help to Ukraine 🇺🇦, in order to help a murderous dictator Putin says it all to me. We should have never went to war for Israel. Is it not obvious Israel has much influence with men in our government? A joint military with Israel? This is absolutely wrong by Congress.
Israeli military has benefited US in innumerable ways: testing vast weapons technology; partnering in developing many technologies; sharing weapons technology developed in Israel. To imply that US doesn't get enormous benefits is misinformed at best. And Israel is not the only country to receive support from US, not only in military, but social support. Many countries receive support without benefiting US as nearly as much.
The USA will never dig out of the debt incurred fighting Israels unnecessary wars in Iraq, Iran, against ISIS, all created by their endless greed for more land and cruelty to their neighbors. I’m done with any support for them as long as they continue to support BIBI and his genocidal right wing radicals.
“Congress should exercise far greater oversight over emerging surveillance technologies and U.S.-Israeli technology cooperation, arguing that democratic allies should not be exempt from scrutiny simply because they are allies. He called it a “fusion” of the two militaries that prevents oversight.”
Great analysis, that said, Ro Khanna is right—a fusion of our two militaries is taking place. It also gives cover for the US to develop secret weapons with unlimited black budgets outside of Congressional oversight.
Furthermore, in case no one’s noticed, we are moving military assets away from some of the gulf states and have been relying on Israeli air bases in the Middle East.
Israeli defense authorities and their US counterparts are currently exploring a proposal to establish several permanent US military bases on Israeli territory, relocating selected American assets from across the Middle East into a more centralized posture — under early-stage consideration as of late March 2026. —Army Recognition.com
And if this deal is consummated, especially if some of the other proposals are implemented—it won’t matter who’s in charge (dems or republicans)—once we are there and integration is complete or close, it will be a very expensive and time consuming proposition to leave. IMHO…:)
When dealing with our current administration and Israel you absolutely need to read the fine print. Don’t trust any of them. We need to pull support financially in aid and militarily. It’s time for Israel to stand alone. Learn what it is to be a good partner, a good neighbor, a good Democratic state and a country that stands for human rights. At the moment they are not that so we shouldn’t be supporting them.
Of course this maneuver will NOT eliminate aid to Israel. Like many of the other maneuvers this regime makes (see $$$ to insurrectionists, etc) to cloud the publics view, an agreement tween U.S. military and Israel will camouflage the billions going to that welfare nation.
Since Republicans say the US is a Christian Nation, we should definitely pull all support from Israel. Let God protect or punish Israel just as He did in the Old Testament. This is not being antisemitic. We can still love and respect Judaism as we as Hinduism, etc., but not give military support to any nation than commits genocide
Genocide is a non-thinking label. There is no genocide committed by Israel. They're fighting a defensive war with a low civilian casualty ratio. Don't throw critical thinking out the window.
More doublespeak from our politicians. Of course we are not going to quit funding Isreal and all the grafting going on...and Isreal would never not accept billions of $$$ to steal from! Great reporting!
Thank you for this Tara. Wonderful job. You really make us think. When you put it that way. I can definitely see some political influence from Democrats not wanting to give aide.
Aid to Israel is outrageous. While we send our children to college we are paying taxes to send someone else’s kids to college too, and they arn’t even American! They are huge economy and now we are going to do it secretly. This is criminal. The people need to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
For many, many reasons I am decidedly on one side of this issue but I also thought that this interview its companion piece were extraordinarily fair, which I value more from someone with Ms. Palmeri’s job description than merely having my own views validated. I would take issue with just one thing, and that is the use of the term ‘antisemitism’ over ‘anti-Zionism’. Not interchangeable, unless one actually believes that the majority of this country, the majority of the populations of the majority of nations on earth, a pretty fair number of Jews are antisemitic.
While other independent journalists cover frivolous stories, the Red Letter covers important topics. 1st class reporter in my view.
Thank you ❤️
How did we cut so much spending with DOGE but no changes in support to Israel. Other countries should never be on a retainer off of American tax payers
it's a good question
To shut help to Ukraine 🇺🇦, in order to help a murderous dictator Putin says it all to me. We should have never went to war for Israel. Is it not obvious Israel has much influence with men in our government? A joint military with Israel? This is absolutely wrong by Congress.
Israeli military has benefited US in innumerable ways: testing vast weapons technology; partnering in developing many technologies; sharing weapons technology developed in Israel. To imply that US doesn't get enormous benefits is misinformed at best. And Israel is not the only country to receive support from US, not only in military, but social support. Many countries receive support without benefiting US as nearly as much.
The USA will never dig out of the debt incurred fighting Israels unnecessary wars in Iraq, Iran, against ISIS, all created by their endless greed for more land and cruelty to their neighbors. I’m done with any support for them as long as they continue to support BIBI and his genocidal right wing radicals.
Nice interviewing skills, Tara. You stayed after Representative Stutzman who seemed to be hiding the truth.
thank you, left or right. I try to be fair
We must have good reporters like Tara, in order to call out the professional liar politicians.
“Congress should exercise far greater oversight over emerging surveillance technologies and U.S.-Israeli technology cooperation, arguing that democratic allies should not be exempt from scrutiny simply because they are allies. He called it a “fusion” of the two militaries that prevents oversight.”
Great analysis, that said, Ro Khanna is right—a fusion of our two militaries is taking place. It also gives cover for the US to develop secret weapons with unlimited black budgets outside of Congressional oversight.
Furthermore, in case no one’s noticed, we are moving military assets away from some of the gulf states and have been relying on Israeli air bases in the Middle East.
Israeli defense authorities and their US counterparts are currently exploring a proposal to establish several permanent US military bases on Israeli territory, relocating selected American assets from across the Middle East into a more centralized posture — under early-stage consideration as of late March 2026. —Army Recognition.com
https://armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/2026/israel-reportedly-explores-establishing-us-military-bases-on-its-soil-after-iran-war-ends
And if this deal is consummated, especially if some of the other proposals are implemented—it won’t matter who’s in charge (dems or republicans)—once we are there and integration is complete or close, it will be a very expensive and time consuming proposition to leave. IMHO…:)
These comments all curiously tilt in one direction. Israel is a reliable ally and always has been. No countries are perfect.
We best support democratic European countries (NATO) over Israel.
When dealing with our current administration and Israel you absolutely need to read the fine print. Don’t trust any of them. We need to pull support financially in aid and militarily. It’s time for Israel to stand alone. Learn what it is to be a good partner, a good neighbor, a good Democratic state and a country that stands for human rights. At the moment they are not that so we shouldn’t be supporting them.
I haven’t trusted any of them for a very long time. Sounds like America is the new Israel to me.
Im hoping that we are able to turn this around. I hate what we are becoming.
Me too!
Of course this maneuver will NOT eliminate aid to Israel. Like many of the other maneuvers this regime makes (see $$$ to insurrectionists, etc) to cloud the publics view, an agreement tween U.S. military and Israel will camouflage the billions going to that welfare nation.
Exactly
The current Congress will not cut aid to Israel. They may alter the way aid is provided .
Exactly
Since Republicans say the US is a Christian Nation, we should definitely pull all support from Israel. Let God protect or punish Israel just as He did in the Old Testament. This is not being antisemitic. We can still love and respect Judaism as we as Hinduism, etc., but not give military support to any nation than commits genocide
They have been twisting the bible in Israel favor for a long time.
Genocide is a non-thinking label. There is no genocide committed by Israel. They're fighting a defensive war with a low civilian casualty ratio. Don't throw critical thinking out the window.
Take the blinders OFF
More doublespeak from our politicians. Of course we are not going to quit funding Isreal and all the grafting going on...and Isreal would never not accept billions of $$$ to steal from! Great reporting!
thank you
Thank you for this Tara. Wonderful job. You really make us think. When you put it that way. I can definitely see some political influence from Democrats not wanting to give aide.
That would be great
the question is if this actually do that
That's right. This regime will flip on a dime. I wish there were more accountability and that they were held to it as well.
“Defeating totalitarianism,” he said. With a straight face. 😐
Aid to Israel is outrageous. While we send our children to college we are paying taxes to send someone else’s kids to college too, and they arn’t even American! They are huge economy and now we are going to do it secretly. This is criminal. The people need to know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!