Voted for Arms for Israel

April 2024

Rep. Panetta voted for $17 billion in military aid to Israel, in spite of the Leahy Laws that prohibit United States military assistance to foreign military units that violate human rights, and the U.S. Foreign Assistance Act that prohibits providing military assistance to countries that restrict the transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid.

May 2024

In May, 2024, President Biden paused the delivery of bombs to Israel in an effort to stop Israel from attacking Rafa. Panetta signed a letter to the White House stating:

"We are deeply concerned about the message the Administration is sending to Hamas and other Iranian-backed terrorist proxies by withholding weapons shipments to Israel." 

January 2026

Panetta again voted for military aid to Israel.

Panetta denies his support for arms for Israel

At a town hall meeting in October 2025, Panetta claimed that he voted against military aid to Israel on several occasions. However, these votes were to thwart Republican initiatives added to the bills. Panetta voted yes on the final votes on the military aid. See Fact Check Panetta Town Hall.