August 26, 2025
A DNC Member Is Calling for an Arms Embargo on Israel. Will the Party Leadership Listen?
By Nic Wong
Allison Minnerly speaks about her upcoming resolution urging a ceasefire, an arms embargo on Israel, and recognition of Palestine as a state.
The United States has long been the patron for Israel’s military weaponry, with the rendering of apaches, missiles and bombs to the region dating back to the 1960s. To this day, more than $250 billion have been spent on munitions for Israel. And while both the Democrat and Republican parties have unanimously backed the spending of taxpayer dollars in this way, it seems that the tide may be beginning to shift.
On August 26, the Democratic National Committee is set to vote on two resolutions pertaining to Israel’s war in Gaza. Of the two resolutions, Resolution 18, proposed by 26-year-old DNC member Allison Minnerly, calls for a ceasefire—along with an arms embargo on Israel and recognition of Palestine as a state. Resolution 3, a counterresolution to Minnerly’s proposal led by Chairman Ken Martin, also calls for a ceasefire, but does not include an arms embargo.
Recent polls show that only a small percentage of Democrats are supportive of Israel’s military actions. While the Democratic voter base may now oppose the US backing Israel through military aid, the DNC resolutions will serve as a litmus test for whether such sentiment is reflected amongst lawmakers.
The Nation spoke with Minnerly about her resolution on August 22. This interview has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.
