Senate Democrats are expressing concerns over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. President Biden has been working to strike a balance between supporting Israel, a U.S. ally, and addressing the concerns of progressives and Arab and Muslim voters who have expressed displeasure with the conflict. Some senators, such as John Fetterman and Chris Murphy, have called for an immediate cease-fire to prevent further civilian deaths in Gaza. Biden has faced criticism for backing Israel, and reports of his anger over Israel’s actions have emerged.
Last month, the U.S. allowed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire to pass, breaking from a trend of vetoing similar measures. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the U.S. for abandoning its policy, and subsequently cancelled an Israeli delegation’s trip to Washington, D.C. Vice President Kamala Harris met with families of American hostages held in Gaza to update them on U.S. efforts to secure their release. Criticism against the Biden administration arose as the U.N. resolution did not include condemnation of Hamas.
Senate Republicans, led by Chairman John Barrasso, have circulated a document listing instances where they claim Biden and Democrats have abandoned Israel since the conflict began. The GOP accuses Biden of demanding an unconditional cease-fire and equating Netanyahu with Hamas. Democrats, however, are hesitant to directly criticize Biden’s policy towards Israel. Some, like Senator Elizabeth Warren, blame Netanyahu’s government for contributing to a humanitarian disaster in Gaza.
Despite expressing disagreement with Biden on the issue of a cease-fire, Senator Fetterman believes the president has stood by Israel overall. Republicans, such as JD Vance and Josh Hawley, accuse Biden of making decisions based on political calculations to appeal to a pro-Hamas faction within the Democratic Party. Biden’s handling of the conflict has faced scrutiny from both sides of the aisle. Muslim supporters, who make up a significant voter base, have expressed willingness to turn their backs on him due to his response to the conflict.
President Biden’s 2024 re-election campaign has faced challenges among Muslim supporters, with leaders refusing to meet with his team. Republican Senator Rick Scott criticized Biden’s response to the conflict, claiming it held Israel to a different standard compared to other situations, such as the Kabul airport attack. Senator Fetterman referenced the complexities of war situations, emphasizing that Hamas played a significant role in the conflict. Overall, the conflict in Gaza has put President Biden in a difficult position as he navigates the response to the conflict and attempts to balance various political interests.
