Pro-Israel Democrats Secured Key Seats on House Foreign Affairs Committee

Three Democrats identified as strong supporters of Israel—Florida Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Missouri Representative Wesley Bell, and Florida Representative Jared Moskowitz—have been placed on the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. Moskowitz also received the Democratic ranking-member slot on the sub-committee for the Middle East and North Africa. Their appointments come after a series of primary victories by progressive candidates whose campaigns centered on criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The moves are seen as an effort by party leadership to counter the growing anti-Israel sentiment among Democratic voters and activists.

The Guardian

In the most recent primaries, each of the three appointed members defeated challengers who targeted them for their pro-Israel positions. Moskowitz overcame anti-Zionist democratic-socialist challenger Oliver Larkin, accusing him of antisemitism and refusing to debate him. Wasserman Schultz won after her district was redrawn, beating 27-year-old challenger Elijah Manley, who criticized her support for Israel and ties to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Bell secured a rematch victory over former Democratic Representative Cori Bush, a vocal critic of Israel’s Gaza offensive. These contests occurred amid polling that shows a decline in U.S. public support for Israel.

The Guardian

Moskowitz told Axios that a Democratic takeover of the House in the upcoming midterm elections would position him to influence U.S. policy toward Israel and the broader Middle East. Wasserman Schultz and Bell have not issued detailed public statements on their new committee roles, but their victories were framed by party officials as a means to maintain a pro-Israel voice within the committee.

The Guardian

• “If Democrats take control of the House, I’ll be in a position to help steer US policy on Israel and the Middle East.” — Jared Moskowitz “If Democrats take control of the House, I’ll be in a position to help steer US policy on Israel and the Middle East,” — Jared Moskowitz

The Guardian