Staff Reports
The Democratic Party is experiencing internal debates surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict, which is expected to influence the upcoming primaries. The Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) PAC has endorsed 81 Democratic incumbents, 23 of whom are in competitive districts, aiming to support pro-Israel members within the party.
Israel-Hamas war set to take center stage in Democratic House primaries next year https://t.co/97mzUchPbp https://t.co/97mzUchPbp
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) December 20, 2023
DMFI PAC's objective is to reinforce a strong U.S.-Israel relationship, which they deem both politically beneficial and wise in terms of policy. Even influential figures like Rep. Pete Aguilar express support for electing Democrats committed to strengthening this alliance.
However, tensions arise as progressive members like Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush face opposition from Democratic challengers due to their outspoken views on the conflict. This intensifies the existing divide between moderates and progressives within the party, sparking a battle for its ideological direction.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, the sole Palestinian American in the House, advocating for a ceasefire, faces criticism from DMFI for not aligning with a pro-Israel stance. The group launches an extensive ad campaign in her district to emphasize their support for pro-Israel voices.
Beyond DMFI, other pro-Israel organizations and donors, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), are heavily investing in U.S. campaigns to ensure robust support for Israel in Washington. Simultaneously, progressive groups like Justice Democrats are gearing up to defend their members against what they perceive as attacks from AIPAC and Republican donors.
Amidst this political landscape, a Wall Street Journal poll shows a divide within Democrats, with 24% feeling more sympathetic toward Palestinians and 17% favoring Israelis. This growing divide poses a significant challenge within the Democratic Party, especially as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues.
The upcoming Democratic primaries are poised to be a battleground for differing viewpoints within the party, and with the ongoing conflict, the outcome remains uncertain.
