Progressives face backlash over response to Israel attacks
The progressives have been criticized for their initial reactions to Hamas’ attacks on Israel. This shows how far they differ from other members of the Democratic caucus.
Members of the Squad include Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. and Cori Bush, D-Mo. This week, Democrats criticized statements that were deemed too tepid following the violence against Israeli civilians.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, condemned “bigotry” and “callousness” during a pro-Palestinian protest in New York City, which was aligned to the Democratic Socialists of America.
The criticism directed at certain segments on the left highlights the divisions within the Democratic Party in regards to Israel. This suggests that progressives may have to navigate a more difficult political climate in which they are expected to support Israel’s existence while advocating for Palestinians rights.
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Matt Duss is a former senior adviser on foreign policy to Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). He told The Hill that the challenge was to continue responding, just as many progressive members had done.
Duss said that some people will be forced to demonstrate real courage, and to take a lesson from Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s decision to vote against the Afghanistan invasion in the aftermath of 9/11.
“Let’s take a moment to think about it.” He said, “We could be starting something we’re not ready for or sure about.”
Bush and Tlaib were the two most prominent critics in the immediate aftermath to the first wave of attacks on Israel. Tlaib said that the United States should not fund Israel’s apartheid regime, a suggestion that angered fellow lawmakers as the death toll grew. She also classified the terrorist attack in a “resistance effort”.
Bush, another House progressive who is equally outspoken, echoed Tlaib.
Some voices of the left saw in their public statements a call for de-escalation, which recognized the suffering on both sides. They called for the recognition of civilian suffering in both camps, and denounced Hamas.
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Some members of the party, however, were outraged. Among the most pro-Israel Democrats in the caucus, Reps. Ritchie Torres of New York and Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, expressed their disapproval.
Torres called the statement “reprehensible” and “repulsive”.
As Israelis mourned publicly the seriousness of the ambush, videos of the atrocities — including those inflicted upon women and children — began to spread on social media.
By Wednesday afternoon, more than 1,200 Israelis had been killed by the Hamas attack, an attack that was launched by a terrorist group designated by the United States. This began a war which has resulted in more than 2,300 deaths. The U.S. Government reported that 22 U.S. Citizens were killed in the conflict and 17 are still missing.
Ocasio Cortez, in a sign that progressives are under increasing pressure, criticised the DSA rally held at Times Square in New York City earlier this week. This was after she had been criticized for her support of a ceasefire.
Leaders from across the political spectrum rebuked the rally that was held to support Palestinians. Ocasio-Cortez’s district, which is located not far from the location of the protests, released a condemnation statement.
In a statement, Ocasio Cortez was quoted by Politico as saying: “The bigotry expressed in Times Square Sunday was unacceptable and harmful at this time of great tragedy.” “It did not also speak for the thousands New Yorkers capable of rejecting Hamas’ horrifying attack against innocent civilians, as well as grave injustices and violent treatment Palestinians endure under occupation.”
The conflict between DSA affiliates, and their usual allies like Ocasio-Cortez, highlights the delicate nature and evolution of this issue on the left. Democrats have been reliable allies to Israel but their support has weakened as progressives on the left also push for Palestinian rights.
Duss stated that conversations have already taken place between progressive legislators and outside advocates to address the conflict in an effective and nuanced manner — a potentially uphill battle, given the severity on the ground.
This horror is still very recent. Hour by hour, we’re learning more. “It keeps getting worse,” he said. “I think people are looking for ways to discuss this in the most positive way possible.”
Even in “normal” times, it is difficult to hold this discussion. Duss said that it is much more difficult to have this discussion now, for obvious reasons.
Sanders, a Jewish Democrat who has clashed at times with pro-Israel Democrats in the past, released a public statement on Wednesday. He called Hamas’s “terrorist attack on Israel” a crime that could lead to “horrific long- and short-term consequences.”
His position, which included a mention of “justice for Palestinians” and called Israel’s tactics as a response to the attack a “serious violation of international laws”, went further than other senators.
“Longer-term, this attack is a major blow to any hope for peace and reconciliation in that region — as well as justice for the Palestinians.” Since years, good-willed people around the world have struggled to end the blockade in Gaza, the daily humiliations caused by occupation on the West Bank and the horrific living conditions of so many Palestinians,” wrote the Vermont Senator.
Some progressive Jewish activists believe that Capitol Hill Democrats need to formally stress de-escalation. They look to the Congressional Progressive Caucus (the top body of liberals elected to the House) to set the example.
Miller, whose organization is in regular contact with legislators, said, “It’s never been more important to fight harder because the slope has just gotten steeper.” “And we have to be more vocal.”
Other progressive officeholders offered to blur the lines even further between the left flank
