TL/DR –
The political landscape around the US-Israel relationship has significantly shifted, with US citizens beginning to question their country’s support for Israel. There are rising political figures, such as Abbas Alawieh and Abdul El-Sayed, who are gaining popularity despite pressure from traditional pro-Israel groups, and younger Republicans and Jewish political groups are questioning deeper defense cooperation with Israel. The shift in the political consensus is creating new fault lines around the US-Israel relationship, raising questions about who will shape the future of this alliance.
US Opinion on Israeli Policy Reflects Political Shift
US officials generally support Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s Gaza war. However, voters now view it as a needless foreign involvement. – Pete Kiehart for the Washington Post /Getty
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the United Nations last month saw diplomats leaving. The political climate regarding Israel has drastically changed three years after Western countries supported Israel following Hamas’ attack.
In the US, notable changes are unfolding. Abbas Alawieh formerly lobbied Democrats over Gaza, now runs for the Michigan state Senate, and has caught Kamala Harris’s attention. Abdul El-Sayed won the Democratic Senate primary in Michigan despite AIPAC and allies funding his opposition by nearly $30 million.
Democratic voter Mimi Price-Miletic from Michigan questions why Israel holds such prominence amid other pressing national issues stating, “There are so many issues in this country that we should be dealing with, and you’re worried about what’s happening, like, millions of miles away?”
Youth from both the Democratic and Republican parties challenge US support for Israel. Simultaneously, organizations like AIPAC face opposition from emerging Jewish political groups like J Street and Jewish Voice for Peace.
This week, reporter Najib Aminy on Reveal explores the evolving US-Israeli relationship and who will shape its future as old political consensus erodes.
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