SAFA- The Israeli genocide in Gaza is driving a significant shift in the US Democratic Party's stance on Israel, challenging one of the longest-standing pillars of American foreign policy.

A Reuters report says Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's close alignment with the Republican Party have deepened the political divide over Israel in the United States, turning what was once a bipartisan issue into an increasingly partisan debate.

The shift has become increasingly visible in Congress. In July, nearly half of House Democrats voted in favor of an amendment calling for an end to US military aid to Israel. 

Although the measure failed, the vote represented a marked departure from previous years, when similar proposals were overwhelmingly defeated with bipartisan backing.

Divisions within the Democratic Party over military assistance to Israel have also deepened. While some lawmakers continue to support existing aid, others advocate restricting assistance to defensive weapons, and a growing bloc is calling for a complete suspension of military support.

Public opinion among Democratic voters has shifted sharply as well. Recent polling found that 66% of Democrats believe the United States provides too much support to Israel, up from just 20% in 2017, reflecting a dramatic decline in traditional pro-Israel sentiment within the party.

Analysts attribute much of this change to Israel's genocidal campaign in Gaza, which has intensified criticism among younger voters and progressive Democrats. 

Widespread student protests on US university campuses in 2024 further increased pressure on Democratic leaders to reassess longstanding policies of unconditional support for Israel. Some political observers also argue that former President Joe Biden's continued backing of Israel during the war carried significant political costs for the party.

The changing political landscape is increasingly evident in Democratic primary elections, where candidates with more critical positions on Israel are gaining momentum against establishment figures.

 In Michigan, for example, US policy toward Israel has become a central issue in the race for a Senate seat, with growing calls from candidates and activists to halt military aid.

Observers say Netanyahu's leadership has also contributed to the growing partisan divide. Democratic Senator Chris Coons suggested that a change in Israel's leadership could help rebuild bipartisan support for Israel in Washington.

Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the advocacy group J Street, argued that Netanyahu's close alliance with the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC has further politicized the issue, making support for Israel increasingly divisive within the Democratic Party.

Despite these shifts, the Republican Party continues to offer strong support for Israel, backed by President Donald Trump and the party's evangelical Christian base. According to Reuters, the widening partisan divide has placed the future of longstanding US support for Israel under greater political scrutiny than at any time in recent decades.