There is bipartisanship but only for the wrong reasons (e.g. unlimited federal government spending).
In the aftermath of the October 7th, 2023 terrorist attacks, Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has led a bipartisan effort expressing explicit support for Israel and condemning Hamas. However, a significant divide emerged within the Democratic Party regarding Israel. While traditional Democrats stood firm for Israel, an anti-Israel and even antisemitic sentiment was growing among some Democrats, with nearly half disapproving of President Biden’s handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Concerns escalated as some Democrats, including Representative Rashida Tlaib, faced accusations of antisemitism. Progressive groups, such as college Democratic clubs and Black Lives Matter chapters, celebrated the attacks, causing Jewish Americans to feel unwelcome in a party that tolerated antisemitic sentiments The Democratic Party’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict becomes increasingly divisive, with some Democrats adopting a “both sides are to blame” stance. This shift was attributed to political calculations, as Democrats are seeking support from Arab American voters in battleground states.
In contrast to the divided and divisive Democrats, the GOP, including the Republican National Committee, unanimously condemned antisemitism and supported Israel’s right to self-defense. As Democrats turned away from Israel, Jewish Americans found a more supportive home within the Republican Party, which stood united in solidarity with Israel. The majority of the Jewish American community votes Democrats but, due to this war, there are signs this might change soon in favor of the GOP.
