Amid mounting humanitarian concerns in Gaza, a growing number of prominent pro-"Israel" Democrats are distancing themselves from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort to prevent rising pro-Palestine sentiment from becoming a central issue in the upcoming US elections. Some party leaders worry privately that the shift may already be irreversible, Edward-Isaac Dovere, a senior reporter for CNN, covering Democratic politics and campaigns across the country, argues. 

Last week, a record number of Senate Democrats supported a failed resolution aimed at blocking arms sales to "Israel". Meanwhile, a new House letter advocating US recognition of a Palestinian state is gaining signatures. Even longtime allies of "Israel" are publicly criticizing its government, rejecting appeals from pro-"Israel" donors and voters still backing the ongoing Israeli war nearly two years after October 7, 2023.

'No room to tolerate mass starvation'

The criticism is no longer confined to the party's progressive wing. Many centrist Democrats express frustration with what they perceive as undue pressure from the Israeli government and lobbying groups like AIPAC. The harrowing images of suffering civilians and malnourished children in Gaza have prompted calls for accountability.

“We can disagree about a lot of things in the foreign policy space, but there’s no room to tolerate mass starvation,” said Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who is Jewish and considered a rising figure in the Senate.

Schatz said conflating criticism of the Israeli government with antisemitism is "ridiculous" and called it an "intentional strategy" to distract from "legitimate concerns". “I think there’s a recognition that Netanyahu is making Israel and Israelis, and Jews, unsafe all over the world,” he added.

Noticeable shift among constituents

Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, the Democratic nominee for governor in a moderate state, also noted a noticeable shift among constituents. “Netanyahu has to be held accountable,” she told CNN, citing the mounting civilian death toll and indiscriminate targeting in Gaza.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the 2024 Democratic vice presidential nominee and a potential 2028 presidential contender, stated that the conflict will remain a defining political issue. “People are going to have the conviction of how they talk about it,” he said.

During Netanyahu's visit to Washington in July, only a few Democratic senators joined a bipartisan photo op with him. Among them was Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, a steadfast "Israel" supporter, who clarified to CNN that his partial appearance in the photo was simply due to camera positioning. He maintained that open dialogue remains essential: “You cannot demand, negotiate, work towards a resolution of the conflict if you are not having conversations with the principal players.”

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Despite past efforts to outlast Netanyahu, critics note his enduring political resilience and continued opposition to a "two-state" solution. He has denied the existence of starvation in Gaza, despite international outcry and calls for increased aid access.

Still, not all Democrats are prepared to distance themselves. A spokesperson for House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries referred only to his calls for humanitarian assistance. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s office declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Freshman House Democrats are expected to participate in an AIPAC-funded trip to "Israel" this week, led by Rep. Steny Hoyer and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, with a likely meeting with Netanyahu.

Public sentiment and intraparty debate intensify

Recent polling by CNN indicates waning public support for "Israel’s" war. Only 23% of Americans believe the actions are fully justified, a significant drop from immediately after October 2023. Among Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults, 59% now say the US gives too much military aid to "Israel", a view held by 72% of those under 35.

Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, who supported a narrowly tailored amendment halting rifle sales, said the goal was to send a message without compromising "Israel's" strategic security. Still, he expressed concern over rising pro-Palestine sentiment, especially among younger Democrats.

“They’re reacting to the scenes of violence against children,” Reed said, noting generational differences in perceptions of Israel. “I grew up seeing Israel as a persecuted people building a democracy.”

Opposing Netanyahu, not 'Israel'

Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut rejected the idea that opposing Netanyahu equates to opposing "Israel". “We shouldn’t operate from a position of fear,” he told CNN.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear echoed this view, stating, “We always need an Israel that is able to defend itself... and also people shouldn’t be starving in Gaza.”

Sen. Bernie Sanders, who introduced the arms resolution and identifies as Jewish, emphasized that criticism of the Israeli government does not amount to antisemitism. “If you’re against Trump, you’re not against America,” he said.

Former Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, once called a "self-hating Jew" by Netanyahu, also expressed disillusionment with the Israeli leader. “He made a conscious decision to position Israel as a partisan political issue,” said Emanuel, now contemplating a presidential bid. “Everybody warned him it was a mistake.”

Attempts to weather political fallout

Some Jewish advocacy groups told CNN they are now focused on weathering the political fallout and waiting for potential changes in Israeli leadership. Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, stated, “To the extent that Democrats are increasingly voicing their concern... this is largely aligned with where the vast majority of Jewish Americans are as well.”

Despite a shared commitment to "Israel’s" security, internal divisions among Democrats are intensifying. In Michigan’s 2026 Senate race, the Democratic candidates offer divergent views: Abdul El-Sayed, a vocal critic of "Israel"; Mallory McMorrow, who condemned Netanyahu while expressing empathy as a mother; and Rep. Haley Stevens, who strongly supports "Israel" and recently called for humanitarian access to Gaza.

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