The Democratic National Committee (DNC) faced criticism after its recent meeting in New Orleans for declining to adopt resolutions critical of Israel amid growing concerns among the party’s base about U.S. support for the Israeli government’s actions in Gaza. The decisions have highlighted a widening gap between party leadership and many of its voters over Middle East policy.

During the gathering, the DNC’s resolutions committee swiftly dismissed two proposals addressing the conflict. One resolution called for “an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory” and urged a halt or conditional pause on U.S. weapons transfers to military units implicated in violations of international humanitarian law. The other opposed military actions exacerbating civilian harm and repression in Iran. Both resolutions were referred to the DNC’s Middle East working group, a panel established last August by DNC Chair Ken Martin but which has met infrequently since. The group’s composition, featuring both members supportive of Palestinian rights and others strongly aligned with pro-Israel positions, has raised doubts about its ability to produce substantive outcomes.

Polls over the past year indicate a significant shift among Democratic voters’ attitudes toward the Israel-Palestine conflict. A Quinnipiac University survey last summer found that 77% of Democrats agreed with the statement that “Israel is committing genocide,” while a recent NBC poll showed 67% felt more sympathy for Palestinians compared to 17% for Israelis. Despite this, party leaders have maintained a cautious stance, reflecting what some critics describe as a disconnect from the evolving views within the party base.

Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America and former national security adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, welcomed the DNC’s rejection of the resolutions, labeling them “out of step with the policies of the Democratic party.” She expressed appreciation for the establishment of the Middle East working group, noting its role in guiding party discussions, even as others contend the panel serves mostly to delay action.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, has characterized the party as overwhelmingly pro-Israel, asserting last September that “nine out of 10 Democrats are pro-Israel,” comments that are contested by recent polling data. Observers critique party leadership for what they view as anachronistic positions that risk alienating voters and undercutting Democratic prospects in future elections.

The controversy reflects broader tensions within American liberalism over foreign policy, particularly the U.S.-Israel relationship amid ongoing violence in the Middle East. Critics argue that the DNC’s reluctance to adopt critical resolutions aligns with continued U.S. arms support for Israel, even as international human rights organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Israel of genocide in Gaza.

This dynamic has prompted voices within and outside the party to call for greater transparency and responsiveness to the party’s shifting electorate. However, despite growing grassroots pressure, the party’s national leadership remains hesitant to publicly challenge longstanding U.S. alliances or openly criticize Israeli military operations. As a result, the DNC continues to navigate a complex political landscape marked by deep divisions over foreign policy priorities within the Democratic coalition.