Summer Lee calls for arms embargo against Israel

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, who represents Squirrel Hill, is calling for an arms embargo against the Jewish state as tensions with Hezbollah terrorists in Lebanon escalate.

On Sept. 23, Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Since the start of Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, we have warned of a regional escalation of war. Now, more American troops are being sent there. Americans do not want to be dragged into another endless war abroad. Preventing one starts with an arms embargo now.”

Since the start of Israel's indiscriminate bombing of Gaza, we have warned of a regional escalation of war.

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Now, more American troops are being sent there.

Americans do not want to be dragged into another endless war abroad. Preventing one starts with an arms embargo now. https://t.co/MvFX5PrnmX

— Rep. Summer Lee (@RepSummerLee) September 23, 2024

Lee, a member of Congress’ far-left “Squad,” is a vocal critic of Israel. Just days after Hamas’ deadly terror attack on Oct. 7 — during which terrorists murdered 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages — she called for a cease-fire. She was one of only 10 members of Congress to vote against a House resolution expressing America’s solidarity with Israel in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack. In April, Lee joined 12 other Democrats and Republican Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky to vote against a resolution condemning Iran’s drone attack on Israel and expressing support for Israel’s defense.

Lee’s office did not respond to the Chronicle’s request for an interview.

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont is preparing several resolutions that would stop more than $20 billion in U.S. arms sales to Israel. The effort is widely considered to be a longshot.

Lee, a Democrat, faces Republican James Hayes in November’s election. In an email to the Chronicle, Hayes commented on Lee’s push for an arms embargo.

“Summer Lee consistently betrays her hostility toward Israel and the Jewish people,” Hayes wrote. “An arms embargo against Israel is just another way to support the terrorists whose goal is the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. This madness needs to stop. ‘Never again’ is now.” PJC