In a recent interview, Democratic Representative Haley Stevens expressed criticism of Senator Bernie Sanders for his Middle East policy. Stevens, who lost the Michigan Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, conveyed her concerns to The Jerusalem Post, describing Sanders as part of an anti-Zionist movement she views as problematic.
“I really don’t know what Bernie Sanders has done for peace in the Middle East, for Palestinian dignity; I can’t think of anything he’s totally done,” Stevens stated. “It’s a sickness that needs to end. You know, it’s a linkage towards extremism or jihad, I don’t know,” she continued.
Sanders has openly pushed for ending U.S. military aid to Israel and has been vocal in criticizing the Israeli government. Former Bernie Sanders Official Accuses Senator of Pushing Most Antisemitic Candidates ‘In a Generation’
Stevens further elaborated, calling anti-Zionism a “hate movement” gaining traction in America and Western countries. She claimed that there is an excessive focus on Israel, dismissing the notion that the country should bear the brunt of challenges faced by America.
Despite these strong opinions, Stevens also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a “problem” in her interview.
Following her primary defeat, Stevens endorsed El-Sayed but advised the Senate candidate to distance himself from Hasan Piker, a far-left streamer. Stevens explained her stance during an interview with Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” emphasizing the Democratic agenda for healthcare, democracy, and Black-owned businesses as superior to those proposed by Republican opponent Mike Rogers.
Stevens highlighted her strong performance among key demographics, such as Jewish voters, Black voters, and Reagan-era Democrats by identifying as a Zionist Democrat. She reiterated that these communities have a place within the Democratic Party.
Comments from Other Figures
Qasim Rashid, a human rights lawyer, responded to Stevens’ comments, expressing disappointment. Rashid pointed to documented claims against the Israeli government, accusing Stevens of ignoring international human rights law by supporting military aid to Israel.
“It is a well-established fact that the Israeli government has targeted and killed civilians. Leading human rights organizations and scholars, including Israeli scholars, have documented it as genocide,” Rashid noted.
This debate occurs amid changing American opinions on Israel, reflected in a recent NBC News poll. Only 32% of Americans currently view Israel positively, a shift from three years earlier when a majority held favorable views. Many attribute this shift to evolving perspectives among Democrats and independents.
Bernie Sanders has challenged Democrats to prohibit Super PACs in primaries, criticizing AIPAC and calling for systemic change.
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