Former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) has seemingly sparked an internal war within the ranks of her own party over her thoughts on a future visit by Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

According to The Hill, while Democrat leadership in both chambers have voice their support for Netanyahu's visit, Pelosi went the other direction, broadcasting her disapproval on cable news.

Pelosi's opposition to the PM's visit has reportedly not sat well with member of her party, who are now voicing concerns that she's only making things worse.

Many of those Democrats, while reluctant, supported the idea of Netanyahu visiting. They fear that Pelosi's opposition only makes it more difficult for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) to guide the party through a very delicate situation regarding the Israel-Hamas war.

What's going on?

Rep. Juan Vargas (D-CA) was one of the Democrats who expressed disappointment with Pelosi's take on the matter, fearing that her view will only serve to make things more difficult for Democratic leadership.

"I was disappointed because I think it does make things more difficult for our leadership," Vargas said. "They made a decision, the decision was a tough one, and we usually hang together. Honestly, when she was Speaker, we hung with her, and I was hoping she would do the same."

That same sentiment was echoed by Rep. Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA), who has considered boycotting the visit, but nonetheless supports the decision by party leadership to host Netanyahu.

"Israel is an ally, and many of us support Israel without supporting Netanyahu. And I think that’s the basis upon which Mr. Jeffries made his decision. This was a courtesy to an ally, and not anything more," he said.

Lynch added, "Obviously, she’s the former Speaker of the House, and I think comments like that are not helpful to the cohesion of the party."

"Very sad"

In a CNN interview, Pelosi made her feelings on the matter clear, saying she believes it's "very sad" that Netanyahu was invited.

Bash: If you were Speaker, would you have invited Netanyahu?

Pelosi: No, absolutely not. I think this is wrong.. I feel it's very sad that he has been invited, but who knows by then.. will he still be prime minister? pic.twitter.com/4R0ZgMZhto

— Acyn (@Acyn) June 7, 2024

"No, absolutely not. I think this is wrong.. I feel it's very sad that he has been invited, but who knows by then.. will he still be prime minister?" Pelosi said at the time.

Last week, Jeffries made his stance on the invite clear.

"We made the decision that we were going to take the same approach that we’ve taken with other heads of state," Jeffries said.