Israel-Hamas conflict to dominate Democratic House primaries in 2022
Democrats’ Divisions Over the Middle East Take Center Stage in Primaries
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war is set to bring the simmering divisions within the Democratic Party over the Middle East to the forefront in next year’s primaries. The Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) PAC has recently released its first round of endorsements, throwing its support behind 81 incumbent Democrats, including 23 in competitive districts. The aim is to bolster pro-Israel members within the party.
“Each and every DMFI PAC candidate knows that supporting a strong U.S.-Israel relationship is not just good politics, it’s wise policy,” emphasized DMFI PAC Chairman Mark Mellman. “We look forward to helping these esteemed pro-Israel legislators win reelection.”
Representative Pete Aguilar, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, expressed his appreciation for DMFI’s efforts in electing more Democrats who are dedicated to strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance. He stressed the importance of unwavering support for Israel’s safety and security in the face of terrorist violence, and expressed gratitude for DMFI’s support in advancing democratic values and promoting peace in the Middle East.
However, the progressive “Squad” members, including Representatives Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, have already faced Democratic challengers for the upcoming elections as moderates seek to remove them due to their outspoken views on the conflict.
A little over a month ago, DMFI began airing attack ads against members who do not support Israel’s war in Gaza. Representative Rashida Tlaib, the House’s only Palestinian American, who sponsored a resolution urging the Biden administration to support a ceasefire, was specifically targeted. In response, DMFI launched a significant ad campaign in Tlaib’s district, highlighting her voting record against missile protection for Israel and her failure to condemn Hamas’ brutal attack.
Pro-Israel groups and donors, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and DMFI, contributed approximately $43 million to U.S. campaigns during the last cycle, according to Open Secrets.
Progressive organizations are determined to defend their members against these attacks. Usamah Anrabi, a communications director for Justice Democrats, stated that they are fully committed to protecting their progressive incumbents in Congress from the $100 million onslaught by AIPAC and Republican billionaire donors.
Wall Street Journal Poll Reveals Democratic Sympathies
According to a recent Wall Street Journal poll, 24% of Democrats expressed greater sympathy towards the Palestinians, while 17% sided with the Israelis. Meanwhile, 48% stated that they sympathize with both sides equally.
Read more from The Washington Examiner: Democrats’ Divisions Over the Middle East Take Center Stage in Primaries
How have the DMFI’s endorsements impacted the existing divisions within the Democratic Party regarding Israel?
E of escalating tensions in the region.
However, the DMFI’s endorsements have intensified the existing divisions within the Democratic Party. Progressives and more left-leaning members of the party have criticized the PAC for what they see as an unwavering and uncritical support for Israel. They argue that this position neglects the human rights concerns and the plight of the Palestinian people.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a prominent progressive Democrat, has been vocal about her opposition to the DMFI’s stance. She has called for a more balanced and nuanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need to address the root causes and work towards a just and lasting peace.
Ocasio-Cortez’s views are echoed by others within the party, particularly among younger voters who are more sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. This divide within the Democratic Party over the Middle East is not new, but it is gaining more attention and significance as the primaries approach.
The Israel-Hamas war has reignited discussions about America’s role in the region and the need for a more principled and consistent approach. It has also highlighted the shifting views within the Democratic Party towards Israel, with a growing number of progressive voices demanding a reevaluation of the US-Israel relationship.
Some candidates in the upcoming primaries have positioned themselves as more critical of Israel and advocate for a more even-handed approach. They argue that US support for Israel should not be unconditional and that it must prioritize human rights and international law.
This growing divide over the Middle East is significant because the Democratic Party has traditionally been seen as more supportive of Israel. However, as the party becomes more diverse and younger, its members are more interested in advocating for justice and human rights.
The divisions within the Democratic Party over the Middle East have the potential to impact not only the primaries but also the party’s broader foreign policy agenda. As the party continues to grapple with these differences, it must find a way to reconcile its historically pro-Israel stance with the growing concerns and demands for a more balanced approach.
The upcoming primaries will serve as a litmus test for the Democratic Party’s stance on the Middle East and its willingness to address the concerns of progressives and younger voters. The outcome will shape the party’s future direction on this critical issue and may have broader implications for American foreign policy in the region.
In conclusion, the ongoing Israel-Hamas war has brought the divisions within the Democratic Party over the Middle East to the forefront. The endorsements by the DMFI PAC have further polarized the party, with progressives calling for a more balanced and nuanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The upcoming primaries will be crucial in determining the party’s stance on this issue and its willingness to address the concerns of its diverse membership. The outcome will not only impact the primaries but may also shape the party’s broader foreign policy agenda in the Middle East.
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