Congressman Jerry Nadler Announces Support for Embargo on Offensive Arms to Israel

Washington, September 3, 2025 - Representative Jerrold “Jerry” Nadler (D-NY), the senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, declared today that he will back congressional efforts to block transfers of offensive weapons to Israel when lawmakers return for the fall session.

In a statement released shortly before Congress reconvenes, Nadler said that, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, “Israel is committing mass murder and war crimes in Gaza without question,” and that he could no longer in good conscience support unrestricted arms shipments. Nadler emphasized, however, that he will continue to vote in favor of providing missile defense systems to ensure Israel’s ability to defend itself against rocket attacks.

By joining a growing number of House Democrats pressing for the use of the War Powers Resolution and other legislative tools to curb offensive arms transfers, Nadler becomes the most senior member of Congress to endorse an embargo on weapons such as precision-guided bombs and assault rifles bound for Israel. His announcement came on the eve of House leadership’s negotiations over the annual defense authorization bill, where funding for military aid to U.S. allies is routinely approved.

Nadler’s shift reflects mounting pressure from constituents and progressive activists who have criticized the humanitarian toll of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in tens of thousands of civilian casualties. Congressional freshman and leading arms-control advocate Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) welcomed Nadler’s decision, calling it “a courageous stand for international law and basic human decency.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) swiftly denounced the proposal as “reckless” and asserted that it would undermine U.S. strategic interests and embolden Hamas. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has yet to indicate whether the upper chamber will consider a parallel measure.

Nadler, 78, will continue to serve as an outspoken critic of both the Trump and Biden administrations’ approaches to Gaza. He reaffirmed his longstanding commitment to safeguarding civil liberties while also acknowledging the imperative of ensuring American foreign-policy aligns with humanitarian principles.