President Biden’s Stance on Israel Raises Concerns Among Democrats
Democrats are expressing worry that President Biden’s stance toward Israel may have damaged his standing with a crucial portion of the Democratic base. The president has been facing criticism from progressives over his messaging on the war in Gaza, leading to concerns about his reputation and effectiveness.
According to Matt Duss, a former foreign policy adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders, Biden’s policy on Israel has been seen as “cruel” and has undermined his image as a decent and empathetic leader. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., Hillary Clinton’s former running mate, believes that the president should have pushed for a solution to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza much earlier.
In a recent phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Biden warned that U.S. policy could change if the humanitarian situation in Gaza did not improve. While some progress has been made, with an additional border crossing opened for humanitarian aid, Kaine and others believe that more should have been done sooner.
The White House has also expressed concerns about Israel’s strikes on humanitarian workers and the overall humanitarian situation in Gaza. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have both emphasized the need for changes and consequences if necessary.
Despite these efforts, some Democrats, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., are still seeking clarity on the White House’s position on aid and Israeli accountability in Gaza. There is a fear that Biden’s difficulty in managing Netanyahu could undermine his image of steady competence in the eyes of voters.
Overall, Democrats are worried that Biden’s support for Israel may have alienated progressives and damaged his reputation. Sen. Bernie Sanders has warned that the situation in Gaza is “unspeakable,” but believes that former President Trump would only make it worse if re-elected.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Biden’s stance on Israel will impact his relationship with key Democratic constituencies and his overall standing as president.
