Biden faces widening partisan split over Israel
The situation regarding U.S. politics and Israel has been increasingly divisive, reflecting broader global trends. President Biden has faced challenges in maintaining a unified stance on Israel, with differences in opinions and approaches among Democrats and Republicans becoming more pronounced. The issue has become deeply intertwined with domestic politics, as support for Israel has traditionally been bipartisan but is now subject to increasing polarization. This divide can complicate the U.S. government's ability to effectively address the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and may influence foreign policy decisions in the region.
The relationship between President Biden and his base regarding Israel's actions in Gaza is indeed being tested, highlighting the deepening partisan divide over the issue. Over the past two decades, there has been a noticeable shift among rank-and-file Democrats towards sympathizing more with the Palestinians, while support for Israel has grown among Republican voters. This trend has been influenced by factors such as the prolonged tenure of right-leaning governments in Israel, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Gallup Organization polling reflects this growing partisan gap, with a significant majority of Republican voters now expressing greater sympathy for Israel compared to Democrats. This widening chasm in attitudes towards Israel within the United States suggests a departure from the longstanding bipartisan consensus that provided strong support for Israel in US politics.
Aaron David Miller, a seasoned expert in Middle Eastern affairs, acknowledges the strain on the traditional drivers of the US-Israeli relationship, which have historically ensured its resilience and special character. He suggests that this current period represents one of the most challenging times for the relationship, both during his government tenure and beyond.
The departure of Netanyahu from the political stage in Israel may not only mark the end of an era but also leave behind a legacy of fractured bipartisan support for Israel within the United States. This scenario underscores the evolving dynamics in US politics regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the potential implications for future US foreign policy in the region.
