House Democrats are increasingly breaking with party leadership over Israel, as evidenced by a recent vote where 103 lawmakers defied guidance to block $3.3bn in weaponry and aid to the country. This shift mirrors a broader change in public opinion: a New York Times poll found 74% of Democratic voters oppose additional military and economic support for Israel, including large majorities across all age groups.
Leaders Out of Step with Voters
House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate counterpart Chuck Schumer continue to advocate for unwavering support of Israel, a stance Norman Solomon, director of RootsAction, calls "moral bankruptcy" and "political malpractice." In a "dear colleague" letter before the vote, Jeffries argued that cutting aid would hinder the US ability to confront Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations. However, former Speaker Nancy Pelosi's vote for the cutoff signaled a dramatic change; in 2018, she had declared US cooperation with Israel "fundamental to who we are."
Shifting Political Landscape
Fear of being labeled antisemitic once made automatic support for Israel seem safest, but the public's changing attitudes have reduced the intimidating power of pro-Israel groups like Aipac. The Democratic National Committee (DNC), facing financial woes, has been cautious about alienating big donors. Yet the leadership's failure to address the moral anguish over US complicity in Gaza—where a UN commission concluded genocide is ongoing, with Israeli forces intentionally targeting children—has deepened the party's crisis.
Impact on Midterm Elections
This leadership crisis could hamper voter turnout in the upcoming midterm elections and become more pronounced during the 2028 presidential primary campaign. The DNC's August meeting before the midterms is expected to be marked by subdued discord over its out-of-step leadership and Chair Ken Martin's avoidance of the Israel issue. DNC officials have even been asked to sign nondisclosure agreements, which a co-chair of the national finance team described as "consistent with standard practice in the corporate world."
While revulsion at Donald Trump might boost Democrats in the midterms, Israel apologism from leaders is a "wet blanket on a party that should be vibrant," according to Solomon. Looking ahead, the field of likely 2028 Democratic presidential contenders mostly offers updated double-talk on Israel, leaving a clear lane for a candidate who runs with a full-throated anti-establishment campaign, including an end to US support for genocide.
