Democrats Concerned About Israel Support

A growing number of Democrats are expressing concerns about the increasingly challenging justification for Israel’s strong response to Hamas’s terrorist attacks. This sentiment is raising doubts and diminishing support for Tel Aviv within Capitol Hill.

While lawmakers swiftly endorse Israel’s right to self-defense, especially following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that claimed over 1,000 lives and resulted in numerous hostages, the subsequent Israeli pursuit of Hamas militants in Gaza has led to more than 26,000 deaths, with over half being women and children, according to reports from Gazan and U.N. officials.

The escalating casualty count, coupled with allegations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not done enough to minimize civilian harm, is fueling criticism in Washington of Israel’s military tactics. Calls for an immediate, albeit temporary, ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery are gaining momentum.

Representative Bennie Thompson, the senior Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee, emphasizes the need for a ceasefire, expressing concerns about the extensive killing affecting innocent people unrelated to the conflict. As Congress considers a national security package combining stricter U.S.-Mexico border policies with significant military aid for Ukraine and Israel, liberal Democrats may pose challenges, particularly regarding concerns that the aid could contribute to the indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians.

Senator Bernie Sanders is leading opposition to some of the proposed Israel funds, accusing the U.S. of being complicit in civilian deaths in Gaza. He is working on an amendment to maintain funding for Israel’s defense systems while cutting funding for what his office characterizes as “offensive weaponry” for Netanyahu’s government.

Scrutiny of Netanyahu has intensified since his coalition with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, forming the most hardline ruling coalition in Israeli history. Some members of his cabinet’s extremist views, including calls for the Jewish takeover of Gaza, are eroding support for Israel in the U.S.

The issue has deepened divisions among Democrats, with staunch defenders of Israel’s actions facing criticism from liberal lawmakers critical of Netanyahu’s response. Meanwhile, Republicans maintain a more united stance in support of Israel’s military operations against Hamas.

President Biden faces challenges as Muslim voters, previously supportive, express anger over his refusal to call for a ceasefire. The situation poses a significant challenge in battleground states like Michigan, where protests against Biden’s support for Israel have occurred.

Biden has taken steps to ease tensions, dispatching officials to the Middle East, urging Netanyahu to work towards a Palestinian state, and issuing sanctions on Israeli settlers accused of violent attacks. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will continue diplomatic efforts in the region, pressing for a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

Despite ongoing talks, Democrats are increasingly vocal about the high number of civilian casualties, emphasizing the collective desire to end the tragic loss of life in the region. Representative Annie Kuster, head of the New Democrat Coalition, stressed the shared pain over the thousands of people dying and the collective wish for the violence to cease.