Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's office was vandalized this week with "blood-splattered signs" following her criticism of an Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria.

The stunning operation, which involved explosive devices hidden in personal electronics, resulted in civilian casualties, including children, and the incident has sparked debate among progressives, including AOC, over the legality and ethics of U.S. support for the operation, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Ocasio-Cortez, who has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, questioned the U.S. role in the operation and called for an investigation by the State Department.

The operation allegedly involved devices targeting Hezbollah members' pagers and other small electronics, with devastating results. At least 12 people, including two young children, were killed in Tuesday's attack, and another 20 people died in a similar strike on Wednesday.

Explosive Devices Targeted Hezbollah Electronics

The operation is widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, which has been conducting military actions against Hezbollah as part of its ongoing war with Hamas. These recent attacks have raised concerns about the legality of using such explosive devices, particularly under U.S. law.

Ocasio-Cortez and other progressive Democrats argue that the operation could be in violation of international law as well as U.S. military policy. The Pentagon’s Law of War Manual prohibits the use of booby-traps designed to look like everyday objects that civilians might pick up. These prohibited items include watches, cameras, personal audio players, and toys.

Progressives Question U.S. Support for Israeli Tactics

In response to the attack, Ocasio-Cortez called for a "full accounting of the attack" from the U.S. State Department. The congresswoman has long been critical of U.S. military aid to Israel, particularly when it comes to operations that could endanger civilians.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman echoed her concerns, stating that Israel’s pager attacks had "injured thousands and led to the death of innocent civilians, including multiple children." Bowman emphasized that these actions violate international law and could escalate conflict in the region.

Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Ilhan Omar have also questioned U.S. funding for Israel, with Omar urging Congress to reconsider military aid. “We should not send another dime to fund the genocide,” Omar said. She further criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of "reckless disregard for civilian lives."

Uncertainty Surrounds Legality of Operation

The legality of the operation remains in question. While the U.S. Department of Defense has not commented directly on the issue, spokespersons have referred inquiries to Israel. According to the Pentagon’s Law of War Manual, certain devices that cause unnecessary suffering are prohibited, but the specifics of this operation are unclear.

Mark Goldfeder, a legal expert, stated that communication devices used by terrorists cannot be considered civilian objects, adding a layer of complexity to the discussion. At the same time, legal scholars like Brian Finucane have pointed out that the legality depends on whether the targets were lawful combatants.

John Spencer, a military expert, described the operation as "precise sabotage," aimed specifically at disabling military equipment, rather than indiscriminate attacks on civilians.

White House and Pentagon Remain Silent

The White House and Pentagon have largely stayed quiet on the issue, directing reporters to Israel for further details. “We refer you to Israel to speak to their own operations,” a Department of Defense spokesperson said when pressed for a comment.

This silence has only fueled frustration among progressive lawmakers, who are demanding more transparency and accountability. Ocasio-Cortez, in particular, has faced significant backlash for her stance, with some accusing her of supporting terrorism. "Yesterday my House office was tagged with blood-splattered signs accusing me of supporting terrorism after I questioned the pager operation, which clearly runs counter to US policy,” she said in a statement.

Controversy Divides U.S. Lawmakers

The controversy has sparked a broader conversation within the Democratic Party about the role of U.S. assistance in Israeli military operations. While some lawmakers, like Ocasio-Cortez, Omar, and Bowman, argue that U.S. policy should be more critical of Israel’s actions, others remain supportive of military aid.

The tension between progressive Democrats and the more traditional wing of the party reflects deeper divisions over U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. For now, the Biden administration has not indicated any changes to its stance on military aid to Israel, despite the growing outcry.

Conclusion

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s office was vandalized after she criticized an Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria, raising concerns over U.S. involvement.

The operation, which used explosive devices in personal electronics, resulted in civilian casualties and has sparked debate over the legality and ethics of U.S. military aid to Israel.

Progressive lawmakers have called for accountability and questioned U.S. funding for such operations, but the White House and Pentagon have remained largely silent on the issue.

As the debate continues, the future of U.S. foreign policy in the region remains uncertain.