Democrats at DNC divided over Israel Gaza question

Discord over the Israel–Hamas war erupted at the Democratic National Committee’s summer meeting in Minneapolis, underscoring a widening rift inside the party. The far left base has gone on all in pro-Palestinian rhetoric.

According to Fox News, the DNC’s Resolutions Committee rejected a proposal from 26-year-old Florida member Allison Minnerly calling for an arms embargo and suspension of US aid to Israel. Instead, members initially backed a narrower ceasefire resolution introduced by DNC Chair Ken Martin, only for Martin to later withdraw it in a surprise move aimed at preserving party unity.

Progressives bristled at the outcome. “It’s not enough,” said DNC member Sophia Danenberg of Washington, DC. “I do fear we’re losing our future as the Democratic Party by not being courageous on this issue.”

The clash reflects a generational divide: moderates who support Israel versus younger members demanding tougher action as the death toll in Gaza climbs. The war began after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, ambush on Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people, injured thousands, and left more than 250 taken hostage.

Minnerly said her resolution, drafted with input from Palestinians, would have aligned the party with voter sentiment. “The Democratic Party should follow the will of our voters and call for an end to U.S. involvement in this particular tragedy,” she said.

The GOP blasted Martin as “weak,” accusing him of caving to “radical Antisemitic members.”

The fight overshadowed other business, including the unanimous passage of a resolution reaffirming support for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) values. Critics noted that inclusion for the Democrats apparently doesn't mean Jews or Israel, a longtime American ally and the only Democracy in the Middle East.