Democrats are pushing Biden to be strong on Gaza war in his State of Union

Mainstream Democrats are pressing on President Joe Biden to intensify his critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration and advocate more strongly for a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, including the establishment of a Palestinian state. This call comes as the situation in Gaza, following a devastating attack by Hamas that claimed approximately 1,200 lives, sees a rising death toll that has led many, including Jewish Democrats, to seek a more pronounced stance from the Biden administration on issues such as a Ramadan ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, curbing violence by Jewish settlers, and a lasting peace agreement.

Despite initially rallying behind Biden's firm support for Israel in the wake of Hamas's attack, the escalating human toll in Gaza has prompted a growing number of Democrats to voice their concerns. Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland, a prominent Jewish Democrat, expressed hopes for a clear strategy for peace to be outlined in the upcoming State of the Union address. Raskin's comments reflect a broader discomfort within the party with Netanyahu's far-right government, emphasizing a desire for American leadership to prioritize peace and human rights.

The push for a change in approach is underscored by a critical letter from over a dozen Jewish Democrats in the House, demanding Biden to "redouble" efforts for a ceasefire and more effective humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. This sentiment was echoed by Senators Cory Booker and Michael Bennet, who, upon returning from the region, criticized extremist settler violence and called for more substantial humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Senator Chris Van Hollen also highlighted the blockade of food relief by far-right Israeli cabinet members, suggesting the U.S. should withhold military assistance to governments obstructing U.S. humanitarian aid, by federal law.

The debate over U.S. policy towards Israel and Gaza is not confined to the party's far-left but is a central concern among mainstream Democrats. Representative Jim McGovern, for instance, has called on Biden to leverage his influence to secure a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. This stance is part of a broader critique of the Biden administration's perceived passivity in the face of escalating violence and humanitarian needs in the region.

The political risks for Democrats are palpable, as demonstrated by protests and hecklers at Democratic events pressing for more assertive action against Israel. Amidst these pressures, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Vice President Kamala Harris have affirmed the necessity of long-term peace through the creation of a Palestinian state and called for an immediate ceasefire, respectively. However, the growing demands from within the Democratic Party highlight a consensus for President Biden to take a more visible and active role in advocating for peace and humanitarian relief in Israel and Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for American leadership to navigate towards a just and lasting resolution.

Sources: CNN; Reuters; theNewYorkTimes