Democratic Representative Haley Stevens recently addressed her concerns about Senator Bernie Sanders’ Middle East policy in an interview with The Jerusalem Post. Stevens, who lost the Michigan Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, labeled Sanders as part of an anti-Zionist “sickness.” She expressed doubt about Sanders’ contributions to peace in the region.
Stevens stated, “I really don’t know what Bernie Sanders has done for peace in the Middle East, for Palestinian dignity. It’s a sickness that needs to end.” Sanders is known for criticizing the Israeli government and advocating for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Anti-Zionism Concerns
Stevens argued that anti-Zionism is a hate movement. She described it as a problematic ideology gaining traction in America and the West. In the interview, she remarked, “I believe that anti-Zionism is a hate movement that has taken over in America and throughout parts of the West.”
Stevens highlighted her concerns about Israel’s treatment as a scapegoat for various challenges faced by America. She added, “There is this bizarre obsession with calling out one country, one tiny country in the Middle East.” Despite criticizing Senator Sanders, Stevens also voiced disapproval of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to him as a “problem.”
Endorsement of Abdul El-Sayed
Following her defeat in the primary, Stevens endorsed El-Sayed. However, she urged him to sever ties with Hasan Piker, a far-left streamer he had campaigned with. During an interview with Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” Stevens advised, “It certainly makes sense to get rid of this Hasan Piker affiliation.” She also backed Democratic initiatives over El-Sayed’s Republican opponent, Mike Rogers.
Stevens highlighted her strong performance with various voter demographics and described herself as a Zionist Democrat. She stated, “I came really close [to winning the primary] and I’m still a Democrat. I want the people who share my views and values to feel safe and to feel heard in the Democratic Party.”
Reaction to Stevens’ Comments
Qasim Rashid, a human rights lawyer, responded to Stevens’ remarks, describing them as “profoundly disappointing and not helpful.” Rashid emphasized the need to reexamine U.S. military support to Israel due to documented human rights violations.
“Our own Leahy laws in the United States require that we stop funding governments when there is credible evidence of mass human rights atrocities,” Rashid commented.
Rashid warned that Stevens’ stance could lead to losing support in Michigan to MAGA Republicans. He criticized the endorsement of policies violating international human rights law.
Public Opinion on Israel
A March poll reveals Americans’ changing views on Israel, driven by Democratic and independent opinions. NBC News conducted the survey amid debates over Israel following the war between Israelis and Hamas. Results showed only 32% of Americans positively viewed Israel, compared to 47% three years ago.
Conclusion
The political discourse among Democrats and independents continues to evolve, impacting views on Israel and Middle Eastern policy.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser and associate editor Hanna Panreck contributed to the report.