Democrats are embroiled in controversy over how to respond to the terrorist attack on Israel and the far left’s position that the U.S. should support a cease-fire in the Middle East.
While President Biden takes a hard line in strong support of Israel, other Democrats, including U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Sen. Ed Markey in Massachusetts, are calling for a de-escalation of fighting.
It’s a split that’s reflective of a long-simmering dispute over Israel and its “occupation” of Palestinian territory, with some liberals and progressive groups blaming Israel for igniting more violence.
Markey is not the only Democrat taking flak for not supporting Israel’s war posture.
Members of Pressley’s “Squad” are being criticized by fellow Dems for suggesting the U.S. should stop funding Israel and calling for an end to the occupation.
“As long as our country provides billions in unconditional funding to support the apartheid government, this heartbreaking cycle of violence will continue,” U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.) said. Tlaib even hung a Palestinian flag outside her Capitol Hill office, drawing widespread criticism.
U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) made similar statements, triggering a blistering response from Republicans and some Democrats.
“It sickens me that while Israelis clean the blood of their family members shot in their homes, they believe Congress should strip U.S. funding to our democratic ally and allow innocent civilians to suffer,” U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) said to Jewish Insider.
House leaders did not call out Gottheimer for his attack on Tlaib and in fact their silence speaks volumes.
The tension in the party spilled over to Monday’s rally for Israel on the Boston Common, where U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss pointedly called out Markey for calling for a de-escalation.
Progressive groups blame the split on Israel’s strong support in Congress and the power of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which boosts many lawmakers’ fundraising coffers.
The lack of unity among Democrats is in contrast to the Republican Party, where members have all been strong backers of Israel.
The split could have fallout in the 2024 presidential race, where the Israel-Hamas war is expected to be a powerful issue.
But Biden’s relatively coherent speech in support of Israel could dampen Republican efforts to tie Democrats to the terrorists.
