Shifts in Congressional Attitudes Toward Israel

There’s been a notable shift in Congress regarding its stance on Israel.

The longstanding bipartisan support appears to be diminishing as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with Palestinian casualties reaching alarming numbers.

Reactions are appearing in various forms, including attempts to block arms sales and proposals to recognize Palestinian statehood. Public condemnations from lawmakers are commonplace now, and some have gone far enough to accuse Israel of genocide. Interestingly, some of the strongest criticisms are now coming from conservative Republicans, who have historically been staunch supporters of Israel’s military actions.

It’s still uncertain whether this backlash signals a deep, lasting change in views on US-Israel relations or if it’s just a temporary response to the ongoing events in Gaza.

What’s clear, however, is that something is indeed shifting in Capitol Hill, impacting members from both parties. Some lawmakers suggest this change reflects how constituents in their districts feel about the situation.

“The approval ratings of the Israeli government have been declining among the American populace, not only among Democrats but also Republicans,” one member noted.

“Americans can recognize genocide when they see it,” he added.

Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.), a long-time advocate for Israel in Congress, acknowledged that there are always fluctuations in US-Israel relations. Still, he emphasized that the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza are exacerbating the current downturn.

“Two things can be true at once. Hamas could end this war, but this conflict is a grave crisis for the Palestinian people. Israel must do everything possible to assist those in Gaza,” he stated during a phone interview.

Concerns cross party lines, yet they stem from various sources.

Democrats have been increasingly uneasy about their relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which has been strained for years. Many were outspoken against his congressional address in 2015 that undermined former President Obama’s efforts for a nuclear deal with Iran. Relations have further soured since Netanyahu formed a far-right coalition government.

“It’s detrimental for both Israel and US-Israel relations if this becomes a partisan issue, and it seems to be heading that way,” Schneider remarked. “Part of the blame lies with the actions of Prime Minister Netanyahu over the years.”

Democratic critics consistently express their support for Israel and its right to self-defense, particularly following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Graphic images from the conflict have shocked many.

“If an alternative government prioritizes peace, I believe Americans will back Israel,” Johnson commented.

While support for Israel is typical, surprisingly harsh criticisms have emerged from Republicans, who are now showcasing divisions within the party on this matter.

This GOP unity has started to fracture in recent weeks. Some Republicans are adopting the “America First” rhetoric that previously propelled Trump into office.

Rep. Thomas Massey (R-KY), known for opposing overseas interventions, has sharpened his critiques of Israel’s actions in Gaza amid reports of a humanitarian crisis.

“The Israeli war in Gaza is so lopsided that it’s unreasonable for American taxpayers to finance it,” Massey recently declared online.

This sentiment has raised eyebrows within the GOP. Last month, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), a close ally of Trump, stirred controversy by proposing a bill to block roughly $500 million in military aid to Israel. She further ignited discussions by accusing Israel of committing “genocide” against Palestinians, a term previously unused by Republicans in Congress regarding the Gaza conflict.

“There are children suffering from hunger. Innocent lives—Christian lives, too—are being lost. This should never be acceptable to Americans,” she said.

“Should innocent Israelis be prioritized over innocent Palestinians or other Christians? Why should America continue funding this?”

Trump has allowed his allies to voice their criticisms, urging Israeli leaders to “finish the job” against Hamas, but also supported claims of no hunger crisis in Gaza made by Netanyahu.

“From what I’ve seen, that simply isn’t true, as the condition of children there shows real hunger,” Trump remarked during a meeting in Scotland.

The escalating humanitarian crisis has led to a surge of legislative activity regarding Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

Last week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) prompted a vote on halting arms sales to Israel, similar to Greene’s proposal. Although it did not pass in the Senate, it garnered substantial Democratic support.

In the House, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) is advocating for the US government to recognize Palestinian statehood.

This month, various House members visited Israel on separate trips—one organized by GOP leaders and another by Democrats. While most attendees are staunch allies of Israel, some warn that if the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains unresolved, Congressional resistance will likely increase.

“If Netanyahu makes moves that could be seen as genocide, I believe Congressional support from both parties will continue to wane,” Johnson remarked.