Unprecedented American Divide Over Supporting Israel: The Right Reassesses Its Position While Democrats Intensify Criticism

SadaNews Translation - In an unprecedented shift in the American political landscape, prominent right-wing voices, long-time staunch defenders of Israel, have begun expressing their rejection of Washington's alliance with Tel Aviv, especially amidst the ongoing war on Gaza. Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, known for her strong loyalty to President Donald Trump, sparked widespread controversy with a tweet comparing the situation in Gaza to what might happen to America if it were in the Palestinians' position, stating: "I do not want to pay the price of genocide in a foreign country against a foreign people, for a foreign war that has nothing to do with me."

According to a report published by "The Economist", Marjorie Taylor Greene, who may be the most fervent supporter of Donald Trump in Congress, recently tweeted in support of the Palestinians and in opposition to Israel's war on Gaza, stating: "If America were being bombed day and night because of a horrific act committed by our government, and many innocent Americans and American children were severely injured, and we begged for mercy, but the rest of the world said: 'The Americans voted for their government, they deserve it'... And our cities and homes were bombed and turned to rubble. Infrastructure was destroyed, no farms, no grocery stores, no organized community. And no one helped our injured and hungry children, how would you feel?"

Since June, following American strikes on Iran at Israel's request, criticism has escalated from right-wing figures such as Steve Bannon, Tucker Carlson, and Matt Gaetz, who accused Israel of dragging the United States into foreign conflicts and draining its resources, even considering it anti-Christian. This new trend contradicts the "America First" slogan, prompting Greene to propose a more extreme slogan: "America Only."

Decline in Popular Support

A poll conducted by "YouGov/The Economist" in August revealed that 43% of Americans consider what Israel is doing in Gaza as genocide, while the percentage of those sympathizing with Israel has dropped to its lowest level in 25 years. Notably, this decline is not limited to young Democrats, but has extended to those over fifty, including evangelicals who were once among Israel's staunchest supporters.

Democrats Advancing in Opposition

In Congress, Democrats have begun to reflect this shift in public sentiment. In July, nearly half of the party's members voted against sending a shipment of arms to Israel, compared to just 18 in November of last year. Congressman Jake Auchincloss, who represents a district with 100,000 Jews, noted that he has had to update his political memos on Gaza more than twenty times since the start of the year, amid a rapid change in his constituents' positions.

Netanyahu and His Impact on Israel's Image

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has played a pivotal role in deepening the gap between Israel and the Democrats, especially after his closeness to Trump and his disregard for nuclear negotiations with Iran during Obama's presidency. The expansion of settlements, violence in the West Bank, and the treatment of Palestinians have all prompted liberal Jewish groups like "J Street" to publicly criticize the Israeli government and increase their political and financial activity within the Democratic Party.

Leftist Solidarity with the Palestinian Cause

The Palestinian movement in America has benefited from waves of solidarity with social justice issues, like the "Black Lives Matter" movement, contributing to introducing a new generation of Americans to the Palestinian cause. This intersection of rights struggles has boosted the presence of the Palestinian issue in leftist and youth circles.

Republicans: Continued Support Despite Cracks

Despite the growing criticism from some Republicans, the Republican Party still maintains its traditional support for Israel, especially among evangelicals who view the establishment of the Jewish state as a step towards fulfilling religious prophecies. However, this support, while appearing strong on the surface, faces increasing internal challenges that could reshape the American-Israeli relationship in the coming years.

Courage in Gaza: Trump and Republicans Between Loyalty and Division

In some ways, President Trump is considered the most enthusiastic American president towards Israel. He has welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu three times to the White House since the beginning of his term, more than any other foreign leader. He has also made deporting pro-Palestinian students part of his immigration policy and imposed sanctions on universities that do not confront what he considers "anti-Semitism", even if it sometimes includes merely expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

His plan to turn Gaza into a "sparkling Riviera" fueled the ambitions of the extreme Israeli right to completely expel the Palestinians from the enclave. When Israel asked Trump to participate in an aerial campaign against Iran this summer, he responded immediately, initiating the first joint military operation between the two countries against a foreign enemy.

Republicans in Congress have maintained their unwavering support for Israel. None of them voted to restrict arms sales, and House Speaker Mike Johnson visited a settlement in the West Bank, a move that was previously considered politically taboo. Republican foreign policy expert Dan Senor states that there are no indications of any internal pressure to change this stance.

However, the influence of right-wing media and radio hosts is beginning to change the equation. Recent remarks by Senator Lindsey Graham, in which he strongly defended Israel, were a reaction to rising criticism and concluded with a religious warning: "If America cuts its ties with Israel, God will cut His ties with us."

Political isolationism, adopted by Trump and others, also fuels this decline. Just as many in the party oppose support for Ukraine, they question the "Israeli exception", especially amid accusations of committing war crimes.

Despite Trump's defense of American Jews, the Republican Party is not free from anti-Semitic tendencies. Marjorie Greene promoted conspiracy theories about "Jewish lasers", and Nick Fuentes, the extreme right commentator, criticized the right-wing media's delay in attacking Israel.

Even the pro-Israel group "AIPAC" has changed its strategy and started spending tens of millions to support pro-Israel candidates, after previously relying solely on political pressure.

Upcoming Electoral Battle

The American political arena is heading towards a decisive confrontation. Democrats heading into elections will have to clarify their positions on Israel, especially if the war in Gaza continues. As for the Republicans, they may witness the candidacy of populist figures opposed to foreign interventions, like Steve Bannon, who is considering entering the race.

J.D. Vance, Trump's deputy, is considered the preferred Republican candidate, but he canceled his visit to Israel in May following the escalation of the war. He is thought to lean towards the "America Only" camp, according to comments by Kurt Mills, one of the prominent Republican voices opposed to Israel.

This shift seems unlikely to stop even if the war ends or Netanyahu leaves office. As Dov Waxman from the University of California states: "The old Republican consensus has eroded, perhaps permanently." The American-Israeli relations, which have shaped the Middle East for decades, now face an unprecedented test.