Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed faced repeated questioning regarding Israel’s right to exist during an interview with CNN. The interview touched on other controversial topics, including social media posts he deleted related to defunding the police.

Discussion on Israel

When CNN’s Kasie Hunt asked whether Israel has a right to exist, El-Sayed responded by highlighting the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in the election. He noted, “AIPAC has already spent $30 million in this election.” El-Sayed reframed the discussion, asking why no one questions Palestine’s right to exist. He stressed the importance of a two-state solution and criticized U.S. financial support to Israel, which he claims funds genocide and apartheid.

When pressed about Israel’s right to exist, El-Sayed stated, “Israel exists. The more important question is about a politics that dignifies equal rights.” He diverted the focus towards equal rights for Jews, Israelis, and Palestinians, questioning, “Does everybody have equal rights to peace, dignity, and self-determination?”

Focus on Domestic Investment

El-Sayed argued for redirecting tax dollars to local issues in Michigan, such as education and healthcare, rather than overseas expenditure. “I want my tax dollars spent here in Michigan,” he stated.

Police Funding Controversy

The interview then addressed El-Sayed’s deleted social media posts advocating for the defunding of police. In a 2020 post, he criticized excessive spending on police departments.

El-Sayed defended his previous role as director of Health, Human, and Veterans Services in Wayne County. He emphasized the need to fund systems that protect people. “Judge me by my work,” he urged, citing police recruitment, retirement benefits, and community interventions.

El-Sayed also criticized the media’s focus on outdated tweets, suggesting that issues like housing and healthcare deserve more attention in political discussions.