Protests erupted in several US cities on Tuesday as anti-war activists voiced opposition to American military aid for Israel.
With the risk of escalating conflict in the Middle East growing, demonstrators called for an arms embargo against Israel.
In New York City, dozens gathered in Herald Square, holding banners reading “Hands off Lebanon now” and “No US-Israeli war on Lebanon,” organized by the ANSWER coalition, a group advocating for an end to war and racism. The crowd chanted slogans such as “Hands off the Middle East” and “Free Palestine,” while denouncing USleadership and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Smaller demonstrations also took place near the White House in Washington, D.C., despite rainy conditions. The protesters criticized US military support, with the ANSWER coalition issuing a statement that “Israel’s attacks in Lebanon and Gaza are fueled by the massive supply of bombs, missiles, and warplanes provided by the US government.”
Protests were also held in other cities, including San Francisco, Seattle, San Antonio, and Phoenix.
The protests come as the United States continues to provide military aid to Israel, which has been criticized both domestically and internationally for its role in the ongoing conflict in Gaza and escalating tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel maintains that its actions are acts of self-defense against hostile militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
