Set to be US House speaker, Israel supporter Hakeem Jeffries may need to tread carefully

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, a pro-Israel Democrat from Brooklyn, is expected to become House Speaker in January. He faces pressure from progressives who want stronger criticism of Israel and from AIPAC supporters. Jeffries has said a 'change in direction is needed' for the US-Israel relationship. He has retained AIPAC's support and voted against cutting military aid, while also securing funding for Jewish organizations in his district.

Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the pro-Israel Democrat from Brooklyn, is expected to become House Speaker when the next Congress convenes in January with a Democratic majority. As Speaker, Jeffries would set the House's legislative agenda at a time when many Democrats have taken more critical stances on Israel and AIPAC. Jeffries has said a 'change in direction is needed' for the US-Israel relationship. His support for Israel and ties to AIPAC have angered progressives who want party leadership to apply greater pressure on the Israeli government. Advocates have criticized Jeffries for opposing an amendment to end US military assistance to Israel and pressured him to reject AIPAC's support. Hadar Susskind of the progressive New Jewish Narrative said Jeffries will have to navigate a caucus with more members who care about Israeli-Palestinian policy. Jeffries has retained AIPAC's support and voted against an immediate cutoff of military aid. He has fostered close ties with Jewish organizations and leaders, securing $1 million for the Jewish Community Council of Greater Coney Island and $850,000 for the Shorefront Jewish Community Council. Mark Treyger of New York's Jewish Community Relations Council called Jeffries a 'dear friend' and 'unwavering ally.' Jeffries grew up in Crown Heights and has made eight visits to Israel. Progressives have protested outside his offices, and some DSA-aligned candidates indicated they would need Jeffries to back certain policies to secure their support for Speaker. However, Democrats' large House majority gives Jeffries room to lose some votes. Jeffries faces pressure from the left on Israel and on resistance to the Trump administration. A petition for a different Speaker has garnered over 1 million signatures. Treyger expressed confidence Jeffries will not waver.