Democrats say Netanyahu is the problem - but their opposition to Israel runs deeper - opinion

An opinion piece argues that Democratic criticism of Israel, centered on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, masks a deeper shift in the party's base toward opposition to the Jewish state itself. The author contends that Netanyahu's eventual departure will force party leaders to clarify whether they support the US-Israel alliance or have moved toward a break.

An opinion piece by Aliza Pilichowski argues that Democratic criticism of Israel, centered on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, serves as a temporary hedge that masks a deeper shift in the party's base toward opposition to the Jewish state itself. The article cites Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's March 2024 floor speech calling for Israeli elections and Senator Bernie Sanders' condemnation of the government as 'extremist and racist.' It notes that activist groups like Jewish Voice for Peace have described the government as the most extremist in Israel's history, implying the problem can be voted out. The author contends that a growing part of the Democratic base rejects Zionism and the existence of a Jewish state, as seen in post-October 7 encampments and chants. The piece concludes that Netanyahu's eventual departure will force party leaders to answer whether their opposition was to one man or to the alliance itself.