Staff Reports
Members of the so-called "Squad," including Representatives Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Cori Bush, and Ayanna Pressley, are facing strong criticism from within their own party for their approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Their calls to end the war and their stance on Israel have drawn significant backlash, and they have been referred to as the "Hamas Caucus" due to their perceived reluctance to unequivocally condemn Hamas.
This internal division within the Democratic Party has extended beyond the confines of Washington, D.C. Several primary challengers have emerged, motivated by their dissatisfaction with the Squad's position on Israel. Bhavini Patel, a borough councilwoman in the Pittsburgh area, has launched a campaign against Squad member Rep. Summer Lee, emphasizing their differences on Middle East policy and gaining support from Jewish and pro-Israel activists.
The #HamasCaucus known as "The Squad" of Democrat Socialists is gaining Democrat primary opponents for their antisemitism, hate, and intolerance
Intraparty Heat Intensifies Against AOC's Squad As Chickens Come Home to Roost Over ‘Ceasefire’ Demands https://t.co/IwmcUdrgSg
— Two Party System Sucks ?????? (@Never_Alt_Left) October 17, 2023
In Minnesota, former city councilman Don Samuels is gearing up for a rematch against Rep. Ilhan Omar, aiming to highlight her strong criticisms of Israel, which have provoked controversy within the community. In New York, Westchester County executive George Latimer is contemplating a challenge to Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who has faced criticism for his increasingly critical positions on Israel in his largely Jewish district.
These primary challengers are unlikely to let the Squad forget their stance during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Jewish community and their supporters are unlikely to forget the Squad's position, and they hope to hold these members accountable through the electoral process. Many see this as a call for change within the Democratic Party and a desire for a more nuanced and balanced approach to foreign policy and sensitive international issues.
