President Joe Biden is facing a crucial moment in his relationship with his base over Israel’s war in Gaza, highlighting the growing partisan split in American politics regarding support for Israel. Polls have shown a shift in sympathies from Israel towards the Palestinians among rank-and-file Democrats over the past two decades, while Republican support for Israel has increased. This growing divide suggests that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s influence has played a role in shattering the bipartisan consensus that once supported Israel in US politics.
The strain on the US-Israeli relationship is more significant now than ever before, with many experts believing that Biden may be the last Democratic president to align so closely with Israel. The widening partisan polarization over Israel has been evident for years, with Republicans showing stronger support for the nation, especially under Republican administrations like George W. Bush and Donald Trump. Netanyahu’s staunchly conservative policies and close alignment with the Republican Party have contributed to this partisan reversal.
The war in Gaza has further intensified the partisan split in American politics. Surveys have shown that Republican voters are more likely to support Israel, while Democrats are more divided on the issue. Biden’s continued support for Israel, despite criticism from within his party, reflects his belief in maintaining a close relationship with Israel for strategic reasons in the Middle East, such as securing humanitarian aid and fostering peace agreements in the region.
Critics of Israel’s approach to the Palestinians within the Democratic Party have attributed the widening divide between voters and elected officials to the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC. However, generational differences also play a role in shaping attitudes towards Israel. Younger Democrats are more likely to view Israel’s actions as oppressive, leading to increased support for the Palestinians over Israel.
While Biden’s support for Israel may alienate some within his party, he has prioritized maintaining a strategic relationship with the nation for broader foreign policy goals in the region. As the war in Gaza and protests against Israel continue, Democrats are facing pressure to take a more critical stance towards Israel. If Netanyahu’s actions in the war further strain relations with Democrats, the bipartisan support for Israel in the US could be jeopardized.
