Israel’s war in Gaza dominates US midterm races as Democrats split

Lead

The Israel-Gaza war, which created deep divisions within the Democratic Party and contributed to a significant electoral loss in 2024, continues to shape races ahead of the November midterms. In Michigan, the contest for the Democratic Senate nomination has become a flashpoint, with candidates clashing over US policy toward Israel.

In a recent debate, Abdul El-Sayed, a former county health official, and Representative Haley Stevens openly aired their differences on the issue. The tension reflects a broader struggle between the party's progressive and moderate wings, as voters increasingly question American support for Israel.

Coverage Comparison

The two candidates offered sharply contrasting views during the debate. El-Sayed accused pro-Israel groups, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), of exerting undue influence over US foreign policy. He argued that the United States' approach has been "handed to us" by Israel and AIPAC, and he called Israel a "rogue state." He also referenced "the impact of AIPAC in our politics" as the reason for the joint US-Israeli war on Iran, asserting that the lobbyist's goals were "to annex Lebanon or to do genocide in Gaza."

Stevens, who has received more than $10 million in support from donors affiliated with AIPAC, according to federal campaign records, criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in strong terms. She said that Netanyahu has "failed" to achieve long-term peace and argued that he has been bad for American Jews. "It is very clear that Mr. Netanyahu has not made us safer, has not brought us closer to peace, and he is a danger to Jews in America and around the world," she said. She also voiced support for "aid into Gaza."

While Stevens' comments represent sharp criticism of Israel's leadership, she remains regarded as one of Congress's more reliable pro-Israel Democrats. El-Sayed's campaign, on the other hand, has increasingly centered on anti-Israel rhetoric and has gained momentum as a result.

The race has drawn significant outside spending. The United Democracy Project, an AIPAC-affiliated Super PAC, has spent around $11 million to support Stevens or oppose El-Sayed, according to reports. El-Sayed has criticized this spending, suggesting that politicians are "bought off" by pro-Israel groups.

Stevens responded to such criticism by asserting her independence: "No one owns my vote and no one owns my policies," she said during the debate. "Anyone who is contributing to my Senate campaign is doing so because of my proven record of fighting for Michigan."

Key Claims

• Abdul El-Sayed has said that the US should stop funding the Israeli military and has accused Israel of committing "human rights abuses, genocide, and apartheid."
• Haley Stevens has received over $10 million in support from donors affiliated with AIPAC, according to federal campaign records, and has been criticized by El-Sayed for her stance on Israel.
• The United Democracy Project, an AIPAC-affiliated Super PAC, has spent around $11 million to support Stevens or oppose El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate primary.
• Jewish Voice for Peace Action, the political action arm of a Jewish anti-Zionist group, has endorsed El-Sayed, marking its first-ever endorsement for a US Senate candidate.
• A recent poll by the Associated Press found that a third of US adults believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, and nearly 60% of Democrats think the US is too supportive of Israel.

Perspectives

Abdul El-Sayed and Progressive Supporters

El-Sayed, who has the endorsements of Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and progressive members of Congress like Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Summer Lee, has positioned himself to the left of his opponents. Jewish Voice for Peace Action's political director, Beth Miller, praised El-Sayed as "a stalwart and unapologetic defender of Palestinian rights and freedom," and said his campaign represents "a historic opportunity" to reimagine US foreign policy "that supports freedom and justice, not genocide and apartheid." El-Sayed himself has argued that US foreign policy is unduly influenced by Israel and AIPAC.

Haley Stevens and Pro-Israel Democrats

Stevens, a centrist with the backing of the Democratic establishment and pro-Israel groups, has sought to balance criticism of Netanyahu with continued support for Israel. While she has called Netanyahu "a danger to Jews in America and around the world," she has also benefited from significant pro-Israel spending. Some Jewish Democratic leaders in Michigan are concerned about the direction of the party. Joel Tauber, a 92-year-old founding chair of Jewish Federations of North America, said he would not vote for El-Sayed if he wins the primary and might leave the Senate ballot blank in the general election. Some Jewish Democratic leaders in the state are reportedly planning to support Republican candidate Mike Rogers if El-Sayed wins the nomination, viewing it as a "hedge" against the party's shift on Israel. The Jewish Democratic Council of America has endorsed Stevens.