LIVINGSTON, NJ — A divisive rift has emerged within the House Democratic Caucus over Israel’s role in the recent conflict with Hamas. The fissure became evident when Rep. Andre Carson criticized fellow Democrat Josh Gottheimer following a disagreement over a House resolution aimed at showing support for Israel.
Earlier this month, a deadly offensive by Hamas ignited tension in the Middle East.
Gottheimer voted in opposition of his colleagues, including Democrat party firebrands Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Jamal Bowman, Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar.
“Last night, 15 of my Democratic colleagues voted AGAINST standing with our ally Israel and condemning Hamas terrorists who brutally murdered, raped, and kidnapped babies, children, men, women, and elderly, including Americans. They are despicable and do not speak for our party,” the Jewish Congressman posted to X.
This led to an internal struggle among Democrats concerning Israel’s actions, particularly its impact on Palestinian civilians. While many Democrats have expressed unequivocal support for Israel, a growing faction within the party has begun to question the tactics employed in the conflict.
The House recently passed a resolution affirming support for Israel, marking the first legislative act under newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson. The resolution passed with broad bipartisan backing and called on Hamas to cease violent attacks and release all hostages. The measure stated the House stands with Israel in its defense against “Hamas and other terrorists.”
Following the resolution’s passage, Gottheimer, who is Jewish, took to social media platform X to criticize Democrats who voted against it. He accused the dissenting members of his party of failing to stand with Israel and condemn acts of terrorism perpetrated by Hamas.
Carson, who is Muslim, swiftly responded, criticizing Gottheimer’s comments. In an interview with CNN, Carson accused Gottheimer of acting cowardly and not fulfilling his role as a member of Congress.
“I think he’s shown himself to be very emotional. I think he’s posturing before the cameras. He postured before caucus, but like most cowardly people, when you confront them, they’re afraid. I’m unafraid of the guy. I’d like to sit down to talk to him. He probably doesn’t want to talk to me,” Carson told CNN.
“He has to understand that there is a community out there. There are Americans out there who are deeply opposed to what’s happening. And if he wants to call us despicable, I’m saying he’s a coward. And he’s a punk and he should remember why the people sent him here and if he wants to play some kind of tough guy, a gangster – we can handle it like gentlemen, or we can get into something else.”
The disagreement between Carson and Gottheimer lays bare the widening gap within the Democratic Caucus over foreign policy, particularly with respect to the Middle East. It also raises questions about the party’s ability to maintain a unified stance on a highly sensitive and evolving international issue.