Democratic leadership has appointed several pro-Israel lawmakers to influential Foreign Affairs Committee positions, a move that has sparked criticism from the party’s progressive wing. On Tuesday, Representative Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, named Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Wesley Bell to the committee and elevated Representative Jared Moskowitz to ranking member of the Middle East and North Africa subcommittee, which oversees U.S. policy related to Israel and the broader region.
Moskowitz, who recently won a Florida primary against an anti-Zionist challenger, emphasized his intent to use the new position to “strengthen America’s relationships with Israel and our Gulf allies.” Should Democrats reclaim control of the House in the upcoming elections, Moskowitz would likely assume chairmanship of the subcommittee, granting him significant influence over legislation related to the Middle East. This development has generated unease among progressives who have increasingly pushed for greater scrutiny of Israel’s policies in the Palestinian territories.
The recent primary victories of Moskowitz and Wasserman Schultz, both representing districts outside Miami, underscore the continued electoral viability of pro-Israel Democrats in certain competitive districts. Similarly, Bell, who ousted progressive Cori Bush last year with backing from the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC and reinforced his position in this year’s election, reflects a broader trend. Observers on the left interpret these appointments as a sign that Democratic leadership remains aligned with traditional pro-Israel policies, at odds with a growing segment of the party’s base advocating for a more critical stance.
The appointments drew sharp criticism from progressive commentators and former aides to Senator Bernie Sanders. Matt Duss, executive vice president of the Center for International Policy, condemned the decision, citing Moskowitz’s prior support for heightened U.S. military engagement in Iran and Israel’s military actions in Gaza. Ben Rhodes, former national security advisor under President Barack Obama, described the move as a “giant” rebuke to Democratic voters. Meanwhile, advocacy groups aligned with Palestinian rights have highlighted polling data indicating that a majority of Democratic primary voters favor measures sanctioning Israel.
In response to the backlash, supporters argue that Moskowitz’s primary success reflects voter priorities in his district, which includes a significant Jewish electorate. David Schwartz, a former Democratic official, noted that the choice to elevate Moskowitz aligned with the desires of his constituents. The appointment may also be strategic ahead of the November general election, as Moskowitz seeks to solidify support in a competitive district.
Despite the appointments, Democrats’ internal dynamics on Middle East policy remain complex. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who oversees the caucus, has faced criticism from both sides of the debate. While promoting Moskowitz and other pro-Israel lawmakers, Jeffries also named Representative Mark Pocan, a progressive voice, to the Foreign Affairs Committee and recently signaled the need for a shift in U.S. policy in the region.
Meanwhile, nearly all Senate Democrats signed a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging his government to halt settler violence and stop expansion of settlements in the West Bank, reflecting ongoing tensions within the party over Israel policy. The leadership appointments mark a critical moment as Democrats balance differing views within their ranks ahead of the 2028 presidential primaries and midterm elections.