“50 States, Failing Israel”

Nearly 250 politicians from state Houses of Representatives and Senates across all 50 U.S. states traveled to occupied Jerusalem in support of “genocidal Netanyahu.” The trip took place under the banner “50 States, One Israel,” and its expenses were covered by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the event, held from September 14 to 18, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dictated to the American state representatives what they “should” be doing for Israel. The Israeli government wanted these mostly Republican state politicians to frame criticism of Israel as “combating antisemitism” and to punish it accordingly. Another demand from Israel’s government was that participants fully defend Israel’s falsehoods about Gaza.

Addressing the attendees, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee remarked, “It might seem as if I’m speaking not on behalf of the U.S. but for Israel.” Huckabee was, in fact, speaking exactly like an Israeli ambassador. A leading figure among Christian Zionists, Huckabee said insulting Israel was “equivalent to insulting a man’s wife.”

Denying that Israel is committing genocide, Huckabee added: “If Israel is genocidal, it’s doing a very bad job. Gaza is the size of Las Vegas. If Israel wanted genocide, it could have done it within three hours on October 8, 2023, and everything would be over.” He also pointed out that the 700,000 Americans living in Israel equal the population of a U.S. congressional district, joking: “Gentlemen, welcome to America’s 436th congressional district.”

This mass visit by local American politicians to Israel was a public relations exercise. Meanwhile, at the UN General Assembly, many of Israel’s allies—including Britain and France—recognized the “State of Palestine,” dealing Israel a major moral blow. Netanyahu’s speech to rows of empty chairs on Friday at the UN General Assembly was yet another sign of Israel’s growing isolation. Having lost the public-opinion war in the West, Israel is now enraged.

There are a total of 1,973 state senators and 5,413 state representatives in the U.S. Yet only 250 were eager to serve as foot soldiers in Israel’s propaganda war by traveling to Jerusalem. Many others declined to go because of backlash from their constituents.

Democratic politicians who attended the event in Jerusalem are now facing fierce criticism from young voters. The backlash isn’t limited to Democrats. One of the most striking reactions came from Maddie Block, the daughter of Republican New Mexico state senator Jay Block.

On September 21, Senator Block parroted Huckabee’s words in a post on his X account. Also excusing Israel, Block wrote: “If Israel had genocidal intent, it’s doing a terrible job. With the resources of its army and air force, it could completely wipe out Gaza in one day of bombing, but the Israeli army is doing everything possible to avoid killing Gazan civilians being used as human shields.” Maddie Block revolted against her father’s appalling lies.

In a TikTok video, pointing to her father’s post on X, she said: “I really believe Israel is paying my dad to spread propaganda, because he basically posted this super-long tweet that’s like a thesis.” “How much are they paying my dad? How much is his soul worth? Because he looks like he sold his soul to the devil,” she said, adding, “I hope this marks the end of my father’s political career.” Maddie’s video was quickly viewed by millions of young Americans.

This is what Israel’s public relations drive now looks like in the U.S. Defending Israel has become a losing game for most politicians. The days are getting darker for those willing to trade their political careers for “lobby money.” While Netanyahu thanks politicians for whitewashing genocide, their children are ashamed of them and disgusted by them. Meanwhile, young Americans are rebelling against the U.S.’s unconditional support for Israel—a rebellion that is only growing.

Young people see the world “as it is.” When they look at Gaza, they see genocide plain as day. They know pro-Israel politicians are lying. They are ashamed that their government arms Israel, which has killed more than 20,000 children with its bombings. The “Maddie Blocks” are America’s future—and this “future” has already become Israel’s nightmare.