Senate Democrats are expressing concerns about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza as President Biden navigates how to balance supporting a U.S. ally while addressing the concerns of progressives and Arab and Muslim voters who are unhappy with the situation. Despite some Democrats like Sen. John Fetterman stating they do not support a cease-fire, President Biden has called for an immediate cease-fire to ensure aid reaches the war zone following an Israeli airstrike that killed seven aid workers. While Sen. Chris Murphy acknowledged the need for a cease-fire due to civilian deaths, he praised Biden for increasing pressure on Israel with more humanitarian deliveries in recent days.
President Biden’s support for Israel has faced criticism, with reports of his frustration over the killing of aid workers in Gaza leading to a U.S. Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire that Biden allowed to pass. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized this move and canceled an Israeli delegation trip to Washington, D.C. following the resolution’s passage. Vice President Kamala Harris recently met with families of American hostages held in Gaza and updated them on U.S. efforts to secure their release and reach a cease-fire agreement. However, some have criticized the resolution for not condemning Hamas.
Senate Republicans, including GOP conference Chairman John Barrasso, have compiled a list of times since October when Biden and Democrats have “abandoned” Israel, including calling for an unconditional cease-fire. Some Republicans have accused Democrats of attempting to appease a more vocal pro-Hamas wing of their party and adjusting their stance on the conflict based on political considerations, particularly in states with significant Arab and Muslim populations. Critics like Sen. Rick Scott have raised concerns about holding different standards for accountability in conflicts, such as referencing the deaths of service members in Afghanistan.
Despite criticisms from Republicans, Senate Democrats have generally been hesitant to directly address Biden’s policy on the Israel-Hamas conflict, with some, like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, placing blame on the Netanyahu government for a humanitarian disaster. Democrats like Sen. Mark Kelly have acknowledged the challenges in handling the situation, while Sen. Fetterman expressed support for President Biden standing with Israel but advocated for allowing them to finish addressing Hamas. While Biden has faced backlash from Muslim supporters over his handling of the conflict, efforts to engage with Muslim leaders have been rebuffed, and the campaign has faced obstacles in securing support from these communities.
The conflict in Gaza has become a point of contention for the Biden administration, with pressure to support Israel while also addressing humanitarian concerns in Gaza. As tensions continue to escalate, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are taking different approaches to criticizing or supporting the administration’s handling of the situation. President Biden’s efforts to strike a balance between backing an ally and addressing humanitarian crises have been met with scrutiny, with some accusing him of prioritizing political considerations over the needs of those affected by the conflict. The ongoing conflict presents a difficult challenge for the Biden administration as it navigates its relationships in the region and addresses the concerns of various stakeholders in the conflict.
