The largest Presbyterian group in the United States is considering divesting from three companies over the Israeli military use of their products in the Palestinian territories.

The proposal before the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has outraged many Jewish groups who sent representatives to the church's national assembly in Pittsburgh this week to lobby against the measure. Divestment supporters say the targeted companies — Caterpillar Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Motorola — are profiting from Palestinian suffering. The American Jewish Committee, a public policy group, has said the proposal demonizes Israel and threatens Christian-Jewish relations.

Debate and vote were scheduled for late Thursday.

Pro-Palestinian Presbyterians have been trying for years to persuade the denomination to divest. But the church has been dissuaded by U.S. Jewish groups and other Christians who argue that withdrawing investments will not contribute to peace in the region. At this year's Presbyterian General Assembly, pro-divestment activists believe momentum is on their side.