SAFA — Michigan Democratic Senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed has reaffirmed his opposition to unconditional U.S. support for Israel, calling for accountability over Israeli war crimes and questioning the use of American taxpayer money to fund military operations abroad.

El-Sayed, who defeated Republican Mike Rogers in Michigan's November 3 Senate election, is set to become the first Muslim American to serve in the U.S. Senate.

In an interview attributed to Politico, El-Sayed said he had no intention of abandoning his position on Israel following his election victory, emphasizing that voters had been aware of his views throughout the campaign.

He linked accountability for alleged Israeli war crimes to broader questions of peace, justice and government spending, arguing that American resources should be directed toward improving people's lives at home rather than supporting harmful policies overseas.

His remarks reflect a central theme of his campaign: opposition to unconditional U.S. military assistance to Israel and a commitment to redirecting federal priorities toward healthcare, education and other domestic needs.

Historic Victory After Campaign Marked by Anti-Muslim Attacks

El-Sayed's election followed a contentious campaign in which his Muslim faith, Egyptian heritage and positions on Israel became the focus of political attacks.

President Donald Trump and Republican allies repeatedly questioned his loyalty and sought to portray him as a security threat, allegations that El-Sayed rejected.

Despite those attacks, El-Sayed maintained that he would not distance himself from his religious identity or political positions to win public office.

He also emphasized his responsibility to represent all Michigan residents, including those who disagree with him on foreign policy.

His victory marked a historic milestone for Muslim representation in American politics and brought renewed attention to disagreements within the Democratic Party over U.S. military assistance to Israel.

Debate Over US Support for Israel Intensifies

El-Sayed's election has added to discussions about the direction of U.S. foreign policy and the role of American military assistance to Israel.

According to the supplied report, Hafiz Ghwell, a researcher affiliated with Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies, told Al Jazeera that the success of candidates critical of U.S. support for Israel reflects changing political debates.

The report also attributed comments to former Israeli Foreign Ministry Director-General Alon Liel, who reportedly described the election outcome as a setback for the Israeli government and raised the possibility of greater congressional scrutiny of Israel.

El-Sayed has acknowledged disagreements with some members of Michigan's Jewish community over his position on Israel, while emphasizing the importance of cooperation on shared concerns, including healthcare, workers' rights, environmental protection, religious diversity and constitutional rights.

His election places a prominent critic of unconditional U.S. military assistance to Israel in the incoming Senate, where debates over foreign policy, federal spending and accountability are expected to continue.