Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joins ‘Life, Liberty & Levin’ to discuss the significance of Israel’s war against Hamas. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., slammed Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., over his call to make Israeli aid conditional on its actions in Gaza, as the tensions in the Middle East continue to push a wedge between Democrats in the U.S.
In a statement released over the weekend, Sanders, who caucuses with Democrats, urged President Biden to force Israel into curbing its West Bank settlements and pledged no long-term blockade of Gaza before the U.S. releases aid dollars. This move has sparked a heated debate within the Democratic Party.
Moskowitz, who is Jewish himself, criticized Sanders’ political requirements on aid to Israel, emphasizing his support for humanitarian aid to Gaza. Moskowitz vowed to work towards removing these conditions or imposing stricter measures on aid to Gaza if it reaches the House of Representatives.
The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas has deepened divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly between new progressives and the left-wing establishment. Over 20 hardline-left Democratic lawmakers voted against a resolution condemning antisemitism and expressing support for Hamas on school campuses earlier this month. Additionally, a similar number of moderate Democrats joined Republicans to censure Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., over her statements about the war. Tlaib is the only Palestinian American in Congress.
Sanders further emphasized his stance on aid to Israel, stating that not a single penny will be allocated from the U.S. unless there is a fundamental change in Israel’s military and political positions. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., supported the call for conditional aid, highlighting the need for the United States to ensure that public resources do not support violations of human rights and international law.
As the tensions in the Middle East persist, the Democratic Party finds itself grappling with internal divisions regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It remains to be seen how these differences will be resolved and what impact they will have on U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Elizabeth Elkind is a reporter for Digital focused on Congress as well as the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics. Her previous digital bylines can be seen at Daily Mail and CBS News. For the latest updates from the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews, and more political content, follow her on Twitter at @liz_elkind and send tips to [email protected].
