Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, or AOC, has been leading the opposition to Israel within Congress. However, the Democratic Socialists of America national leadership did not endorse her on Wednesday because she was not anti-Israel enough.

The DSA issued a press release in which it listed the reasons why they had withdrawn their endorsement. The DSA cited several reasons for rescinding its endorsement, including the fact that AOC had voted in support of a resolution that declared that opposing Israel’s right of existence amounted antisemitism. She also signed a letter supporting Iron Dome – the antiterror missile defence system developed by Israel in order to protect civilians – and recently took part in a panel with two antisemitism experts who opposed boycotts of “Zionists.”

AOC is known as a “democratic socialist” ever since she ran for Congress in 2018. The DSA’s break from her is not a sign of her moving to the middle, but rather a symptom that the DSA has become increasingly anti-Israel.

The following is part of the statement:

We acknowledge that AOC took many courageous positions regarding Palestine, such as cosponsoring House Resolutions (3103 786 496), naming Israel’s genocide, as well as opposing House Resolution 894. Members have expressed concern about a number her votes including one in favor of H.Res.888 which equates opposition to Israel’s right to exist with antisemitism. AOC co-signed on April 20, 2020, a press statement that “support[s] the strengthening of Iron Dome and Other Defense Systems”.

AOC hosted a panel discussion with Jewish Council for Public Affairs leaders, who are lobbyists for IHRA’s definition of antisemitism. This panel conflated anti-Zionism with antisemitism and condemned boycotting Zionist organizations. This sponsorship is an affront to those who have risked everything to fight Israeli Apartheid and Genocide through direct and political action over the past few months and decades.

The national DSA endorsement is a sign of a serious commitment towards the Palestinian movement and our collective socialist program. The National Political Committee, as the highest organ of the DSA between conventions, is responsible for establishing the criteria for national endorsements. When chapters apply for national endorsements, they have to explain this to the candidates that they endorse. The NPC will ensure that our elected officials support Palestinian freedom without hesitation. We must ask more of our leaders if we want to build a socialist party that can defeat capitalism.

AOC has been spreading anti-Israel propaganda ever since the terror attacks of October 7. She blamed even the Abraham Accords, a peace accord between Israel and various Arab states.

In a passionate address on the floor, she accused Israel of “genocide.” She also campaigned in support of Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s (D-NY), a pro-Palestinian radical who was unseated last month in a primary election.

DSA clearly did not think so.