Pro-Israel Democrats Get Key Roles on US House Foreign Affairs Committee
Three prominent pro-Israel Democratic lawmakers have been given key positions on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, sparking criticism from progressive Democrats and pro-Palestinian groups.
Representative Jared Moskowitz of Florida was named the top Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, replacing Brad Sherman. Debbie Wasserman Schultz was appointed to the Oversight and Intelligence Subcommittee, while Wesley Bell joined the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee.
All three lawmakers recently defeated progressive challengers in Democratic primaries despite their strong support for Israel. Representative Mark Pocan, considered more critical of Israel, was appointed to the Africa Subcommittee.
The appointments come as Democratic voters increasingly question US military support for Israel. A recent CNN-SSRS survey found that 54% of respondents would support candidates favoring cuts to aid for Israel, rising to 70% among Democratic-leaning voters. A Pew poll also found that 60% of US adults held an unfavorable view of Israel.
Representative Rashida Tlaib criticized the appointments, arguing that Democratic leadership was ignoring growing opposition to US support for Israel and the war in Gaza.
Former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes and the Council on American-Islamic Relations also condemned the decisions, saying they reflected a disconnect between party leadership and voters.
However, senior House Democrats defended the appointments, saying the lawmakers would strengthen the committee’s work on national security and diplomacy.
If Democrats regain control of the House in the November midterm elections, Moskowitz could become chair of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. He has pledged to strengthen US ties with Israel and Gulf allies and promote American diplomacy in the region.
