Washington — Democrats sympathetic to Israel have begun taking steps to distance themselves from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of an effort to prevent further erosion in support for Israel within their party, amid Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Internal divisions among Democrats highlight an emerging challenge to their longstanding U.S.-Israel alliance, as progressive lawmakers, younger voters and human rights advocates pressure them over how Israel handles military operations in Gaza.
Senior Democratic lawmakers–some who have long supported Israel–have expressed public displeasure with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strategy, particularly its high civilian death toll and possible obstruction of humanitarian aid to Gaza Strip.
“Support for Israel does not equate to endorsement of every decision by Prime Minister Netanyahu,” asserted Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), who has long advocated for more oversight over how U.S. military aid is utilized. “Accountability must exist when its consequences for civilians are this significant.”
Pro-Israel Democrats have undertaken an initiative to redefine what it means to support Israel within a party that has grown increasingly divided on this issue. While some members have called for permanent ceasefire or restrictions on U.S. military aid, others favor taking a middle path: continue supporting Israel’s right to self-defense while calling on Prime Minister Netanyahu to change his approach.
Meeks (D-NY), the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, stressed the U.S. should remain an indispensable ally to Israel while playing an even stronger role in shaping its actions.
Meeks cautioned, however, that mere support does not equate to true friendship. She stated: “We must work towards finding an equitable solution that protects Israeli security as well as Palestinian lives – Prime Minister Netanyahu’s current direction makes that difficult.”
At the same time, Democratic leaders are grappling with complex domestic political dynamics. A recent Pew Research poll indicates that Democratic voters under 35 now sympathize more with Palestinians than Israelis–an unprecedented shift since past decades. Representatives such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib from the progressive wing have voiced strong criticism against Israeli airstrikes as well as continued arms transfers by former Vice President Joe Biden’s administration.
The Biden administration has sought to strike a delicate balance, affirming Israel’s right to defend itself while publicly pressing its government to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza and minimize civilian harm. Behind-the-scenes, officials reportedly pressured Netanyahu for an agreement and clear exit strategy from this conflict.
With 2024 elections fast approaching, Democratic candidates are being asked to clarify their stance on Israel’s military campaign and Prime Minister Netanyahu. For some individuals, it may be essential to break from Netanyahu in order to maintain unity within their party and cater to changing voter bases.
As the Gaza conflict drags on without resolution, the political cost of aligning too closely with Netanyahu may outweigh any historic bonds that once united Democrats behind Israel.: