Former Army Captain Josephine Guilbeau, a 17-year military veteran, has drawn national attention for her outspoken protests against U.S. support for Israel, directly confronting lawmakers and questioning whether foreign interests are shaping American policy.
A former combat medic and military intelligence officer, Guilbeau has used her experience to challenge the $3.8 billion in annual U.S. military aid sent to Israel, arguing that these funds should be redirected to pressing domestic issues such as veteran homelessness and mental health crises.
On December 18, 2024, Guilbeau disrupted a House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing, condemning U.S. lawmakers for prioritizing aid to Israel while American veterans struggle.
“As a 17-year veteran and intelligence officer, I am watching you destroy American values and jeopardize our national security,” she declared before being removed from the chamber.
Her protest underscored a growing frustration among some veterans and activists who believe American foreign policy is disproportionately influenced by pro-Israel interests.
Beyond public demonstrations, Guilbeau has taken her criticism directly to elected officials. In a confrontation with Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL), an Army veteran and staunch supporter of Israel, she accused him of having divided loyalties and even suggested that intelligence documents indicate his allegiance to Israel over the United States.
“Are you spying on the American government for Israel?” she asked. He quickly replied by asking her why she would even ask that question.
“I’m a former intelligence officer, and I have read documentation that points to you actually having allegiance to the country of Israel and not America,” she told Mast during the heated exchange.
Mast, who lost both of his legs in Afghanistan while serving as an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technician, immediately pushed back. “Did you almost give your life for America? Because I almost gave my life for America,” he shot back, dismissing her claims.
As Mast turned to walk away, Guilbeau pressed further, questioning why he continues to accept campaign donations from Israeli citizens like Simon Falic, a billionaire businessman based in Miami with deep ties to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Why do you take money from the Falic family?” she demanded.
Simon Falic and his family, known for their duty-free retail empire, have been among Netanyahu’s largest American donors, contributing millions of dollars to Israeli settlements and political causes.
According to a report from the Jerusalem Post, Falic is not just a financial backer but a close personal friend of Netanyahu, raising concerns about the potential influence of foreign-affiliated donors in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
Mast, who has consistently supported expanding military aid to Israel, has received tens of thousands of dollars in contributions from the Falic family, further fueling accusations that American lawmakers are being influenced by Israeli-aligned donors.
The confrontation between Guilbeau and Mast highlights a broader debate over U.S. aid to Israel, which currently totals $3.8 billion per year under a 10-year agreement negotiated during the Obama administration.
The package, set to run until 2028, includes $500 million annually for missile defense programs such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow 3. In addition to direct military funding, the U.S. provides Israel with access to advanced weapons systems and diplomatic protection at the United Nations, blocking resolutions critical of Israeli military actions. Critics argue that these policies enable Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, potentially violating U.S. laws that restrict aid from being used for human rights violations.
Guilbeau’s protests have sparked a fierce debate, not just over foreign policy but also over the symbolism of her military uniform. During a viral demonstration outside the White House, she wore her brass-buttoned Army jacket adorned with service ribbons, reinforcing her identity as a veteran speaking out against U.S. policy. While some have praised her for using her platform to highlight the concerns of veterans, others argue that wearing the uniform in a political protest violates military decorum and undermines the apolitical nature of the armed forces.
Her activism aligns with a growing movement of veterans questioning U.S. military support for Israel, especially in light of recent events such as the self-immolation of Airman Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old U.S. Air Force member who set himself on fire in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., in protest of Israel’s actions in Gaza. Guilbeau attended a vigil in his honor, further cementing her role as a prominent voice in the debate over U.S. foreign policy.
As scrutiny over Israel’s influence on American politics intensifies, Guilbeau’s confrontations with lawmakers and public demonstrations signal a shift in discourse. With calls for greater transparency over campaign donations, foreign lobbying, and the use of U.S. military aid, pressure is mounting on both Congress and the White House to reassess the scope and legality of America’s financial and political commitments to Israel.
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