What’s happening:

Progressive Democrats, represented by figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), are increasingly voicing critiques of the US-Israel relationship, including military aid and policies towards Palestine. These positions signal a change in the traditional bipartisan support Israel has enjoyed in the United States.

Why it matters:

The growing influence of ultra-progressive politicians like AOC, who express clear pro-Palestinian sympathies, could redefine future US foreign policy regarding Israel and the Middle East. With the Democratic voter base beginning to echo these sentiments, there is potential for a significant shift in the US-Israel relationship in years to come.

Key points:

• AOC’s surprising denunciation of anti-Semitism at a protest against Israel in Times Square indicates complex views on the issue.
• Throughout her time in Congress, AOC has demonstrated an increasingly nuanced approach to Middle East politics, distancing herself from the more extreme left-wing rhetoric.
• The influence of AOC and like-minded progressives reflects a generational shift in attitudes towards Israel, with younger voters seeing the country primarily as a military power, rather than the embattled refuge for Holocaust survivors.
• The Democratic Party’s perspectives on Israel are becoming more varied, with a substantive subset of voters and elected officials challenging the status quo of unconditional support for Israeli policies.

Deep dive:

While AOC has tempered her language and avoided extremist terms, her criticism of unconditional US support for Israel has grown. Recent controversial comments drawing parallels between Jesus’ plight and the Palestinians highlight a bold approach to critiquing present-day Israel, evoking strong reactions and underscoring a broader discourse within the Democratic Party on the nature of support for Israel.

Bottom line:

Dismissing the perspectives of politicians like AOC overlooks the emerging generational shift within the Democratic Party. To anticipate future policy directions and maintain a productive discourse, it’s essential to engage with these evolving views on Israel’s role and the US’s relationship with the Jewish state.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.