In the midst of ongoing rocket fire into Israel and President Biden’s call for a ceasefire, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., made it clear on Friday that his caucus would stand in support of its progressive members, even as pro-Israel outside groups threatened to recruit and back primary opponents against those who have been critical of Israel. This comes as organizations like the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) have been targeting lawmakers who oppose aid to Israel in its conflict with Hamas.
Jeffries, in a press conference, acknowledged that outside groups will do what they believe is necessary, but emphasized that House Democrats will continue to support each other. He specifically mentioned the progressive “Squad” members, including Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Jamaal Bowman, who have been vocal in their criticism of Israel and its government.
This defense of progressive members by Jeffries follows his previous message to AIPAC and other special interest groups, asserting that House Democratic leaders would support incumbents. Jeffries, along with House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass., and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., endorsed Omar for re-election, despite the House GOP majority voting to remove her from the Foreign Affairs Committee over controversial statements regarding Israel.
The tensions between AIPAC and progressive lawmakers have escalated, with both sides trading criticism. AIPAC had criticized Omar, Ocasio-Cortez, and others for voting against a resolution condemning Hamas. In response, Ocasio-Cortez accused AIPAC of endorsing individuals involved in the January 6th insurrection and labeled them as a racist and bigoted organization that disproportionately targets members of color.
Omar also called out AIPAC for running ads featuring her face alongside Hamas rockets, which led to threats against her life. Despite calls from Democratic leadership to apologize, AIPAC refused and kept the ads up. Omar described their actions as insulting and Islamophobic.
House Democrats’ defense of their anti-Israel incumbents signals their commitment to standing up for their colleagues against outside groups’ primary efforts. As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, the support from within the Democratic Party for progressive members who criticize Israel’s actions remains strong.
Elizabeth Elkind, a reporter for Digital focused on Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics, contributed to this article.
