Three Democratic lawmakers who strongly support Israel have been appointed to senior positions on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, despite growing opposition to US support for Israel among Democratic voters.
Florida Representative Jared Moskowitz has been named the top Democrat on the committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, replacing California Representative Brad Sherman. The position gives Moskowitz significant influence over US policy toward the region.
Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Missouri Representative Wesley Bell have also been appointed to subcommittees overseeing intelligence and the Western Hemisphere.
The three lawmakers recently defeated progressive Democratic challengers in their primary elections, with their opponents highlighting their positions on Israel.
The appointments have triggered criticism from some Democrats and pro-Palestinian advocates, who argue that the choices do not reflect changing attitudes among Democratic voters.
Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan, a critic of Israel’s policies, was appointed to the Africa Subcommittee.
Recent opinion polls have indicated declining support for Israel among Americans, particularly among Democratic voters. A Pew Research Center poll in March found that 60 percent of US adults held an unfavourable view of Israel, compared with 42 percent in 2022. Another recent CNN/SSRS survey found that 54 percent of respondents would support a political candidate who favoured reducing US aid to Israel, rising to 70 percent among Democratic-leaning voters.
Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib criticised the appointments, saying Democratic leaders were ignoring voters who wanted an end to US support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Former Obama administration official Ben Rhodes also condemned the decision, arguing that the appointments showed Democratic leaders were out of touch with the concerns of their voters.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) similarly expressed concern, accusing House Democratic leaders of disregarding public sentiment.
However, senior House Democrats defended the selections. New York Representative Gregory Meeks, who helped make the appointments, said the lawmakers’ experience and expertise would strengthen the committee’s work on national security and diplomacy.
The Republican Party currently controls the House, but Democrats could regain the majority in the November midterm elections. If that happens, Moskowitz could become chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee.
Moskowitz, who has opposed placing conditions on US military aid to Israel, said he would work to strengthen US relations with Israel and Gulf allies while advancing diplomacy and regional peace.
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