Three Democratic representatives with strong support for Israel have received prominent positions on the House foreign affairs committee, according to announcements this week. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida and Wesley Bell of Missouri joined the committee, while Jared Moskowitz, also from Florida, became the Democrats’ ranking member on the subcommittee for the Middle East and North Africa. The appointments follow a series of primary election victories for progressive Democratic candidates who centered criticism of Israel and its military actions in Gaza in their campaigns.
All three appointees recently defeated primary challengers who specifically targeted their pro-Israel stances. Moskowitz defeated an anti-Zionist challenger, Oliver Larkin, in the primary, after which he stated on social media that he would work to strengthen America’s relationships with Israel and regional allies. He told media outlets that his position could become consequential if Democrats gain control of the House following elections later this year, as some polling suggests.
Critics have expressed objection to the appointments. The Council on American-Islamic Relations characterized the three as among “the Israeli government’s most committed and consistent enablers” and described their elevation as “an insult to American voters.” Edward Ahmed Mitchell, the group’s national deputy director, called the decisions “a desperate attempt to shield the Israeli government from accountability.” Wasserman Schultz won her primary after district redistricting, while Bell defeated former representative Cori Bush, who had been a vocal critic of Israel’s military offensive.
Polling data indicates declining support for Israel among the American electorate overall, with the decline particularly notable among younger voters. According to a Pew Poll from April, only older Republicans and white evangelicals show majorities holding favorable views of Israel. The appointment timing coincides with a special election victory this month by Angie Nixon, a leftwing Democrat and Israel critic, who secured her party’s Senate nomination in Florida for elections later this year.
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