Israel Returns Fire After Deadly Rocket From Lebanon Hits Soccer Field
New York TimesJul 21
The Facts
OVERVIEW: On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas — an Iran-backed Islamist organization that took control of Gaza in 2006 and is designated a terrorist organization by the US — attacked Israel, killing 1.2K, injuring 6.9K, and taking 250 hostages, including 10 Americans. In response, Pres. Joe Biden reaffirmed US support for Israel. His administration has authorized $100M in humanitarian aid for Palestinians, while Congress has passed at least $12.5B in military aid for Israel since the war began. The US has pledged to help negotiate a hostage release, and has proposed a three-phase roadmap to peace.
CURRENT STATE: Casualties in Gaza have reached over 40K deaths and 92K wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with a UN-estimated 1.9M of Gaza's 2.1M people internally displaced. In addition to Israel's offensive in Gaza, the conflict has also escalated with the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Kamala Harris recognizes the challenge of uniting the country over the war in Gaza and understands that doing so is a key presidential duty. She has actively engaged with both pro-Israel and pro-Palestine activists, acknowledging the plight of the Palestinian people as well as the need to defeat Hamas and bring home the hostages. In swing states like Michigan, which have significant Jewish and Arab voters, Harris is resisting pressure from vocal critics on either side. If she remains balanced, she will secure broad support, contrasting with Trump's one-sided approach.
Republican narrative
Harris is only pretending to be balanced, as proven by her actions. While vice president, she has advocated for a two-state solution without first addressing the threat of Hamas, indulged the false claim of Israeli genocide, and supported the Iran nuclear deal and an "immediate cease-fire." On the campaign trail, she has lent far more time to the radical faction of her party, including the anti-Israel "Squad" within Congress. Trump, in contrast, has consistently supported Israel and the Jewish people, both moving the US embassy to Jerusalem and continuously backing Israel’s defense.
Progressive narrative
Kamala Harris has alienated a key voter base by betraying the Uncommitted movement. As the death toll in Gaza exceeds 40K, including many UN aid workers, Harris continues to support Biden's unwavering backing of Israel. If the Democratic Party wants to win, it must stop prioritizing campaign donations from Israel's AIPAC lobby — which allocated $100M to oust progressive candidates — and start listening to the anti-war progressive coalition. Americans are tired of funding genocide, and their voices will be heard at the ballot box if the status quo continues.
Libertarian narrative
You don't have to be a progressive to see that the US government has gone too far in supporting Israel. With $3.8B in annual funding and unwavering support for a war that has killed tens of thousands, it's time for the GOP to heed George Washington’s warning against "passionate attachments" to foreign nations. Republicans have forgotten this due to both the influential Israel lobby and a misguided interpretation of scripture urging Christians to support modern Israel. Conservatives shouldn't blindly support foreign wars just because their congressmen are bought by lobbyists and are misinterpreting religious texts.
