Israel-Hamas war set to take center stage in Democratic House primaries next year

Democrats’ simmering divisions over the Middle East are likely to be front and center in the primaries next year as the Israel–Hamas war continues.

The Democratic Majority for Israel, or DMFI, PAC, released its first round of endorsements over the weekend. The political action committee endorsed 81 incumbent Democrats, including 23 in competitive districts, as the group seeks to boost pro-Israel members of the party.

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“Each and every DMFI PAC candidate knows that supporting a strong U.S.-Israel relationship is not just good politics, it’s wise policy,” DMFI PAC Chairman Mark Mellman said in a statement. “We look forward to helping these esteemed pro-Israel legislators win reelection.”

Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-CA), the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, said he appreciates the work DMFI is doing to elect more Democrats who are “committed to strengthening the U.S.-Israel alliance.”

“Now more than ever, our support for the safety and security of Israel must be unwavering in the face of unspeakable terrorist violence,” he said. “I’m thankful for their support and look forward to working together to advance our democratic values and promote peace in the Middle East.”

Several members of the progressive “Squad,” including Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Cori Bush (D-MO), have already received Democratic challengers for next year as moderates attempt to oust them over their outspoken views on the conflict.

A little over a month ago, the group began airing attack ads against members who are not supportive of Israel’s war in Gaza. The group specifically targeted Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the House’s only Palestinian American who sponsored a resolution urging the Biden administration to back a ceasefire. In response, DMFI launched a six-figure ad campaign in Tlaib’s district.

“She’s one of only seven Democrats in Congress to vote against missile protection for Israel, one of only nine Democrats against condemning the brutal attack on Israel by Hamas,” the narrator says. “Tell Rashida Tlaib she’s on the wrong side of history and humanity.”

Pro-Israel groups and donors, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, and DMFI, contributed about $43 million to U.S. campaigns during the last cycle, according to Open Secrets.

Progressive organizations say they are committed to defending their members.

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“Justice Democrats alongside others … are all in on protecting our progressive incumbents in Congress against $100 million in attacks from AIPAC and their Republican billionaire donors,” said Usamah Anrabi, a communications director for Justice Democrats, in an interview with Axios.

According to a new Wall Street Journal poll, 24% of Democrats said they were more sympathetic to the Palestinians, while 17% sided with the Israelis and 48% said they sympathize with both equally.