House Democrat quits Congressional Progressive Caucus over anti-Israel stance
The Democratic Party has been wracked by deep divisions following an October 7 terror attack by Hamas which left over 1400 Israelis dead.
Another example of the discord came this week when a House Democrat quit the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC).
Congresswoman has long supported Israel
According to The Intercept, Florida Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel has left the CPC due to conflict over Israeli military operations.
Frankel has long been a supporter of Israel, pledging her "unwavering support" for the country following last month's attack.
Last night, I joined fellow Members of Congress for a vigil on the Capitol steps, mourning the lives lost and united in our unwavering support for Israel. pic.twitter.com/qyyFsMzAG1
— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) October 13, 2023
She also voted in support of a GOP censure motion directed towards Michigan Democratic Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a fellow CPC member, over anti-Israel comments.
Frankel: American has "a moral duty" to back Israel
What's more, the Daily Wire reported that Frankel and twelve other Democrats broke with the rest of the party earlier this month and helped Republicans pass an Israeli aid package paid for by cutting funds to the IRS.
My statement on tonight's vote: pic.twitter.com/RTlf91j7Nt
— Rep. Lois Frankel (@RepLoisFrankel) November 2, 2023
"The United States has a moral duty and national security urgency to aid Israel in defending herself," Frankel said in a statement following the vote.
"Make no mistake, Hamas terrorists and others in the region are out to destroy Israel and kill all Jews. We must send an unequivocal message to the world that we stand with Israel," she went on to insist.
Democrats fight over whether Israel is "a racist state"
The Daily Wire observed that tensions within the Democratic Party predate the current conflict in Gaza, as Washington Democratic Rep. Pramila Jayapal made headlines in July when she denounced Israel as "a racist state."
"I want you to know that we have been fighting to make it clear that Israel is a racist state, that the Palestinian people deserve self-determination and autonomy," Jayapal said during a panel discussion.
The House Democratic leadership pushed back on those words with a letter, stating, "Israel is not a racist state. America and Israel have a uniquely special relationship anchored in our shared democratic values and strategic interests."
"As House Democratic leaders, we strongly support Israel’s right to exist as a homeland for the Jewish people," the letter went on to add.
