Israel support becomes political fault line in both parties

Support for Israel, once a bipartisan cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy, is now fracturing both major parties as the wars in Gaza and Iran reshape public opinion. Among Republicans, prominent figures like conservative commentator Tucker Carlson and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have criticized President Donald Trump’s approach, accusing American leaders of failing to constrain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Greene also opposed continued U.S. taxpayer funding for Israel during her congressional tenure, blaming pro-Israel lobbying groups for her departure from Washington. Democrats face even sharper divisions, with progressive voters increasingly critical of Israel. Recent polling shows 72% of Democrats hold unfavorable views of the Israeli government, and tensions surfaced when pro-Israel Democratic congresswoman Haley Stevens faced boos at Michigan’s Democratic Party convention. Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed drew backlash after campaigning alongside progressive streamer Hasan Piker, who has faced criticism for past remarks defending Hamas operations. Jewish advocacy organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, warn that extremist rhetoric is spreading across the political spectrum. Oren Segal of the ADL said politicians and influencers are normalizing divisive language ahead of the midterm elections. A CNN survey from March found 47% of Republicans and 72% of Democrats believe support for Israel is causing internal party divisions, while a Pew Research survey revealed 57% of Republicans under 50 now view Israel unfavorably—up from 35% in 2022. Conservative activist Laura Loomer claimed she warned Trump he could become ‘the last pro-Israel president we ever have,’ though the White House has not confirmed the exchange. The issue is increasingly seen as a political liability, with younger Americans driving the shift in opinion.