<\/p>\n
Israel has become a pariah in American politics due to the \u00a0atrocities<\/a> occurring during its military campaign in the Gaza Strip. In response, American political activism in support of the Palestinian people has erupted<\/a> on college campuses as students watch a very public<\/a> brutal military campaign unfold.\u00a0<\/p>\n The facts are stark and clear: The Israel Defense Forces\u2019 own data reported a staggering 83% civilian casualty rate<\/a> while trying to eradicate the terrorist group Hamas<\/a>. The disregard for human life in this military engagement has left Israel with decreased support, particularly within Democratic Party<\/a> voters. As a result, anti-Israel \u2014 sometimes described as anti-Zionist \u2014 sentiment has been on the rise in the United States. Zionism is an ethnonationalist movement that seeks to establish and secure a Jewish homeland in the land of historic Palestine<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, the Democratic Party isn\u2019t meeting public sentiment on Israel. Democrats in Congress fence-sit on the issue, refusing to block<\/a> military aid to Israel. Instead of ignoring the issue, the Democratic Party needs to adopt a policy of reforming our relationship with Israel. They must be more strict with the Israeli government by implementing an immediate arms embargo<\/a> to capture the democratic sentiment of voters.<\/p>\n Leading up to the 2024 election, Israel\u2019s military campaign in Gaza escalated<\/a>. The response from around the United States included calls for a ceasefire<\/a> in Gaza. Former President Joe Biden, a self-avowed Zionist<\/a>, maintained the U.S.-Israel relationship throughout his presidency, which grew intense criticism<\/a>. Then, following his late withdrawal<\/a> from the presidential race, Kamala Harris\u2019s campaign did not<\/a> articulate a position that diverged from the Biden administration that she was a part of. Following the Democrats\u2019 defeat in 2024, the autopsy done on the party\u2019s performance failed to mention<\/a> party positioning on U.S. relations with Israel as a reason for their defeat. While affordability and immigration may have been more prevalent issues<\/a> for voters, the party\u2019s outright refusal to address the issue of Israel contributed to their loss in 2024, as evidenced by polling<\/a> in swing states.<\/p>\n