Maine Independent U.S. Senator Angus King is severing his support for the Israeli government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
King announced Monday he’s dropping support for Israel because of the growing nutrition and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“I cannot defend the indefensible. Israel’s actions in the conduct of the war in Gaza, especially its failure to address the unimaginable humanitarian crisis now unfolding, is an affront to human decency,” said King in a statement. “What appears to be a deliberately-induced famine among a civilian population—including tens of thousands of starving children—can never be an acceptable military strategy.”
King’s move comes as there’s mounting pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into the region, and President Trump stated Monday there’s “real starvation” in Gaza and the U.S. would do more to help.
King said he does not condone the actions of Hamas, but recent events have placed a moral burden on Israel to end the current crisis.
“I am through supporting the actions of the current Israeli government and will advocate—and vote—for an end to any United States support whatsoever until there is a demonstrable change in the direction of Israeli policy.” said King.
Israeli strikes or gunfire killed at least 78 Palestinians across the Gaza Strip on Monday, according to the Associated Press. Dozens were killed while seeking food, even as Israel moved to ease restrictions on the entry of aid.
Maine Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree in April of 2024 called on the then Biden administration to suspend new military assistance to Israel.
The other two members of Maine’s delegation to Washington, Republican Senator Susan Collins and 2nd District Representative Jared Golden have mostly shown strong support for Israel.
