Staff Reports
The House Democratic Minority Leader, Hakeem Jeffries, has committed to supporting incumbent members who have voiced criticism against Israel, even those currently facing primary challenges in 2024. This decision comes in the wake of continued calls for a ceasefire by members of the progressive "squad" following the October 7 attack by Hamas, a U.S. ally.
Jeffries aims to safeguard the positions of Progressive Caucus members, such as Ilhan Omar and Cori Bush, who are encountering Democratic primary opponents with pro-Israel stances. This initiative is part of the party's broader strategy to regain the majority in the House of Representatives.
@RepJeffries
Just signed his own political career away.
He MUST be primaried."Hakeem Jeffries Commits To Defending Anti-Israel Dem Incumbents Facing Primary Challengers" on SmartNews: https://t.co/bxenwZibd6 #SmartNews
— MaryCarol Herrington (@speknmymind) November 16, 2023
Notably, progressive members like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib have faced backlash for their positions on Israel. Ocasio-Cortez, addressing the criticism, emphasized the need for leadership to defend members against racialized targeting.
Omar, facing two primary challengers, including U.S. Air Force veteran Tim Peterson and former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels, has been accused of causing concern within the Jewish community.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell withdrew from the Senate race to challenge Republican Rep. Josh Hawley, citing Cori Bush's stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict as a primary motivator.
The situation extends beyond these members, with Rep. Summer Lee of Pennsylvania facing criticism from primary challenger Bhavini Patel for what is perceived as equivocation on Hamas' actions.
During a private meeting, lawmakers urged Jeffries to bolster his defense of these incumbents critical of Israel's counteroffensive in Gaza. Additionally, progressive members requested Jeffries to discourage the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) from intervening in the primaries.
The House voted 234-188 to censure Rashida Tlaib for her critique of Israel's response to the Hamas attack. Tlaib countered by stating that a majority of Americans support a ceasefire.
The success of Jeffries' defense remains uncertain, but it is evident that the battle lines are drawn, and the debate over Israel and its allies is poised to intensify in the years to come.
