Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday played a pivotal role in the City Council's decision to call for an "immediate" ceasefire in the war between Israel and Hamas-controlled Gaza. Johnson cast the deciding vote, breaking a 23-23 tie on a resolution sponsored by Alderpersons Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez (33rd) and Daniel La Spata (1st). The resolution, which demands an immediate ceasefire, U.S.-sponsored humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the release of all hostages, was met with heated debate and public disapproval.

"I will exercise my vote and my right and I vote, ‘Aye,'" Johnson stated.

During the testimony of Ald. Debra Silverstein, the only Jewish member of the City Council, Johnson cleared the City Hall chambers as protestors refused to maintain decorum. Silverstein criticized the resolution for its one-sidedness and lack of mention of Hamas' "brutal and depraved" attacks against Israel. She also questioned Mayor Johnson's administration's lobbying efforts in support of the resolution.

"We all want what’s best for the city," Silverstein said. "I don’t understand why there was so much personal political capital put behind this when 28 alders asked for collaboration and there was absolutely no clear collaboration from the other side."

"Should we mention @ChicagosMayor [Brandon Johnson] is personally calling [alderpersons] offering plum committee assignments or leadership positions in exchange for yes votes for the ceasefire resolution?" Lopez wrote on X.