A turning point in America's support for Israel

The recent support of 27 Democratic senators for Senator Bernie Sanders’ resolution to suspend arms shipments to Israel marks a pivotal moment in the history of Israel’s influence on American politics. For decades, both Democratic and Republican politicians treated Israel’s security as virtually untouchable. Narratives portraying U.S. aid to Israel as being in America’s interests, casting Israel as a victim fighting terrorism, and blaming Palestinians for rejecting peace dominated U.S. political discourse.

Beyond the power of the pro-Israel lobby, American media, religious groups, and various institutions rarely hesitated to back Israel. However, the past two years—defined by Netanyahu’s ethnic cleansing and genocidal campaign in Gaza—have led to a growing awareness among the American public about the realities of the occupation. While the Israeli lobby has largely shielded Israel from serious consequences, the old arguments of moral superiority and innocence no longer resonate.

27 (Brave) Senators

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a Jewish politician and a leading voice of progressive politics among young Democrats, has long pushed for a suspension of U.S. military aid to Israel. Earlier this year, his attempt to block an $8 billion arms deal with Israel garnered only 15 Democratic votes. But in recent weeks, growing outrage over Israel’s starvation tactics in Gaza and its use of humanitarian aid as a weapon has intensified scrutiny.

In a Senate vote held Wednesday, Sanders secured support from 27 senators—more than half of the Democratic caucus. Though the resolution was ultimately defeated with 70 votes against, it still marks the highest number of Senate votes ever cast in opposition to U.S. military aid to Israel.

A separate letter spearheaded by Democratic Senator Adam Schiff—calling for the removal of barriers to humanitarian aid—received 44 signatures, though many of those signatories did not have the courage to support Sanders' resolution directly. Veteran pro-Israel Democrat Chuck Schumer recently described his job as ensuring the party remains pro-Israel. While the Israeli lobby’s influence is still evident, the very fact that 27 senators voted in favor of cutting aid represents a meaningful shift in U.S. politics. The backlash to the genocide, especially among the Democratic base, has already eroded support for both Biden and Kamala Harris. It’s hard to imagine any future Democratic presidential hopeful continuing “business as usual” with Israel.

MAGA Turns Sour on Israel

No Republican senators were expected to support Sanders’ resolution—and none did. But discontent within the MAGA base is becoming harder to ignore. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Trump-aligned congresswoman, condemned the October 7 attacks on Israel but also spoke out against the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling it unacceptable. She specifically criticized Israeli strikes on Gaza’s Catholic Church and denounced the starvation campaign as a humanitarian catastrophe.

Since Netanyahu nearly dragged the U.S. into war with Iran, Trump’s MAGA base has shifted its tone on Israel. Figures like Greene, who reflect this sentiment, also oppose U.S. foreign aid in general. Though their criticism is often laced with evangelical talking points, they’re clear in saying that a humanitarian disaster cannot be justified.

Recently, MAGA supporters have also launched a full-throated outcry over the Epstein files, and now, they’re openly expressing anger over U.S. tax dollars being spent to secure the interests of a foreign country in the Middle East. Netanyahu’s attempts to push Trump into war with Iran were not forgotten, and MAGA opposition helped restrain military escalation at the time. Prominent voices like Tucker Carlson, Steve Bannon, and Greene have all expressed concern over Israel dictating U.S. Middle East policy—framing it as a betrayal of their “America First” platform.

Though their rhetoric can veer into nationalism, isolationism, and even antisemitism, these far-right figures are increasingly echoing the same arguments heard from the progressive left. That convergence itself is striking.

A New Era Begins

This shifting landscape suggests that Netanyahu’s aggressive use of Israeli influence over American politics has united critics on both the right and left. Once a bipartisan sacred cow, support for Israel’s military actions is now fractured. Its moral standing and political legitimacy are under unprecedented scrutiny.

Over the past two years, as Netanyahu pursued endless war and destruction for his personal political survival, both American and global audiences have come to see the Israeli occupation for what it is. While the U.S. has yet to cut aid to Israel, the fact that such a move is even being debated—and with substantial Senate support—signals the start of a new chapter.

Having alienated younger generations, Israel can no longer rely on its long-cultivated image as a victim. As its policies of occupation and genocide continue, the legitimacy crisis facing Israel—both in American public opinion and in the international system—will only deepen.