Kathmandu— Three pro-Israel Democratic lawmakers – Jared Moskowitz, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and Wesley Bell – have been selected for prominent positions on the United States House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC), despite increasing American voter disapproval of Israel and a growing divide within the Democratic party over US foreign policy in the Middle East. Representative Moskowitz was named top Democrat on the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, while Representatives Wasserman Schultz and Bell were appointed to seats on oversight/intelligence and Western Hemisphere subcommittees respectively; all three recently won primaries against progressive challengers who opposed their pro-Israel stances. The appointments have drawn criticism from within the party, with some arguing they are out of touch with shifting voter sentiment as Israel’s war in Gaza continues.

Growing Divide Within Democratic Party

The decision to appoint vocal supporters of Israel comes at a fractious time for Democrats, particularly during this midterm election season. A March poll from the Pew Research Center indicated that 60 percent of US adults now view Israel unfavorably, up from 42 percent in 2022. Recent surveys also show increasing support among Democratic voters for candidates who would cut aid to Israel, with 54 percent overall and 70 percent of Democratic-leaning voters expressing openness to such a candidate.

Criticism From Within Congress

Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, the first Palestinian American elected to US Congress, denounced the appointments as misguided, citing polling data that demonstrates declining support for unconditional aid to Israel. “A supermajority of Democratic voters have made it clear they want to end U.S. support for Israel’s genocide in Gaza and Trump’s assault on Iran,” Tlaib said in a statement. She also criticized Representative Moskowitz's support for former President Trump’s policies toward Iran, calling the appointment an affront to the party base.

Outside Groups Voice Concerns

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the largest Muslim advocacy group in the US, expressed deep concern over the appointments, stating that they indicate a disregard for the will of the American people. Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor to President Obama, also criticized the selections, calling them “a giant f*** you from Democratic leadership to Democratic voters” and predicting that voters would feel ignored. In contrast, Representative Gregory Meeks of New York expressed optimism about the new committee leadership, anticipating strengthened work in national security and diplomacy.

Potential Impact Of November Elections

Currently, Republicans narrowly control the House of Representatives, allowing them to name committee chairs. However, if Democrats regain control of the House in November’s midterm elections, Representative Moskowitz could become chair of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee. He has consistently opposed placing conditions on US military aid to Israel and stated his intention to strengthen relationships with Israel and Gulf allies.

The appointments signal a continued commitment from some Democratic leaders to maintaining strong ties with Israel despite growing internal dissent and shifting public opinion, setting the stage for potential clashes within the party as it navigates complex foreign policy challenges.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.