Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro Condemns Israel’s Gaza and Lebanon War, Votes to End US Aid
July 17, 2026
“ISRAEL DOES NOT DESERVE ANY MORE AMERICAN MONEY.”
Those are the exact words spoken on the House floor by Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro @joaquincastrotx , a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
In a stunning and raw speech, Castro tore down the establishment’s favorite excuse, declaring: “The tragedy of October 7th has become a justification for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.”
“Self-defense does not include indiscriminately bombing homes, hospitals, churches, schools or refugee camps.” He cited credible reports of children being intentionally shot in the head and chest by occupying forces.
He called out how U.S. taxpayers have funded a machine that has moved past Gaza and the West Bank to actively occupy parts of Syria and Lebanon.
Castro joined a historic group of 103 Democrats to vote YES on Thomas Massie’s amendment to cut the $3.3 billion annual military pipeline to Israel. He explicitly warned Congress: “Do not reward a wrongdoer.”
The American public has seen the truth with their own eyes, and they are done funding war crimes.
Source: @joaquincastrotx
#FreePalestine #Gaza #Lebanon #USForeignPolicy #CorporateRot
English Script:
Joaquin Castro: Israel does not need, and quite honestly does not deserve more American money for weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu has taken Israel down an ugly path. The tragedy of October 7th has become a justification for the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Self-Defense does not include indiscriminately bombing homes, hospitals, churches, schools or refugee camps. There were even credible reports of children intentionally shot in the head and chest. For decades, our nation gave Israel billions to facilitate peace and a two state solution. Instead, Israel has chosen more war and more occupation. Today, it occupies not only Gaza and the West Bank, but parts of Syria and Lebanon. If there are no consequences, why in the world would Benjamin Netanyahu change what he’s doing? And words are not enough. Condemnations are not enough. If we hope to change Israel’s behavior, we must use our leverage. The American people have seen this tragedy with their own eyes. They have made their judgment. They do not support giving Israel more weapons. Do not reward a wrongdoer. Now it’s up to us in this chamber to take action. I support this amendment and I yield back.
