2 Bay Area House reps sued in class-action for backing Israel aid

Two lawmakers from the Bay Area are facing a class-action lawsuit from a group of residents who believe their support for aid to Israel is causing harm. The residents, Democrats Mike Thompson and Jared Huffman, are accused of contributing to harm in local communities and in Gaza by approving billions in U.S. military aid to Israel.

The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco federal court, alleges that by voting to send aid to Israel, Thompson and Huffman caused moral and emotional injury to taxpayers by funding what the plaintiffs claim is genocide in Gaza. It’s important to note that both Israel and the Biden administration reject claims of genocide in the conflict.

This legal action is yet another example of how conversations and disagreements over Israel and Gaza have escalated to the courtroom following the war that began after an attack by Hamas in October 2023. Prior to this lawsuit, federal courts dismissed a similar claim by pro-Palestinian groups accusing the Biden administration of complicity in genocide.

The Bay Area case aims to prevent Thompson and Huffman from approving future aid to Israel and seeks damages for the emotional distress caused by the war. The lawsuit has gathered support from a group of 21 plaintiffs, with plans to involve as many as 1,000 participants if the court allows it to proceed.

The representatives have shown support for Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas while advocating for reducing civilian casualties and promoting a two-state framework for peace in the region. Thompson has been vocal about working towards a ceasefire and long-term solutions that prioritize the well-being of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

The lawsuit has sparked conversations about the role of taxpayer dollars in foreign policy decisions and highlights the complex nature of conflicts like the one in Israel and Gaza. It’s clear that these issues are deeply emotional and impactful, resonating with individuals in different ways.