Israel-Gaza Issue Divides Democrats in Michigan Senate Primary Debate

The Israel-Gaza war continues to divide Democratic candidates in key races two years after contributing to the party's 2024 presidential election loss. The Guardian reported that the issue now dominates contests ahead of the November midterms, with progressives highlighting Israel's falling popularity among voters. A recent debate between two Democrats seeking one of the most competitive U.S.

Senate seats displayed the split between progressive and moderate factions. ” Haley Stevens, who has received support from pro-Israel spending, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was “trashing” her on CNN and that she was not afraid to stand up to Israel.

She stated, “No one owns my vote and no one owns my policies,” and added that contributors back her campaign because of her record fighting for Michigan.

An Associated Press poll in June found that a third of U.S. adults and roughly half of Democrats believe Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The same poll showed nearly 60% of Democrats saying the U.S.

Was too supportive of Israel, up from 45% in January 2024. Rahm Emanuel said in Tel Aviv this week that U.S. military aid to Israel should end and that he would not take money from AIPAC. The United Democracy Project, an AIPAC-affiliated Super PAC, has spent about $11 million to boost Stevens or oppose El-Sayed.

Patrick Dorton, spokesman for the AIPAC Super PAC, said the group aims to ensure pro-Israel Democrats have a voice and described efforts by “fringe left socialists” to drive them out. The Michigan Democratic Senate primary is set for August 4. Pro-Israel groups have also backed winners in other primaries, including Adrian Boafo in Maryland, while facing losses elsewhere.