Draft:Democratic Party reaction to the Israel–Hamas war



Since the outbreak of the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, the United States Democratic Party has been divided on the issue. Moderates within the party tend to support Israel and its response, while progressives tend to oppose it. In particular, elected officials and members of the Biden administration are divided on the issue, with the coalition of Democratic factions becoming fragile ahead of the 2024 United States presidential election.

Background
The Democratic Party has historically supported Israel in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, though divisions increased during the 2010s. The Democratic establishment had been moving further left, with progressive politics spread across the party, and young Americans had began to be more critical of Israel, with accusations of antisemitism made towards them.

During the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, these tensions grew. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), a leading progressive figure, initially voted against a House bill funding the Iron Dome defense system. She later changed her vote to "present" along with one other member, later apologizing.

Reactions to the war
Most initial Democratic lawmakers' responses to the outbreak of the war condemned Hamas and some backed Israel. However, as the Israeli bombing campaign in Gaza continued, support began to weaken.

Progressive reaction
The progressive reaction to the war has been generally pro-Palestinian.

Squad members initially condemned the Hamas attack or wished for peace on both sides. (individual reactions, primary challenge)

(other progressive reactions, include sanders and fetterman)

(ceasefire support)

Moderate and conservative reaction
(initial reaction)

(eventual reaction)

(biden reaction)

Analysis
(split)