Recent polls indicate a significant shift in American sentiment towards Israel, with support reaching record lows. A Quinnipiac University poll revealed that 60% of voters oppose sending more military aid to Israel, and for the first time, more voters sympathize with Palestinians than Israelis. This shift coincides with growing international condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including accusations of creating a “man-made” famine. Despite the changing public opinion, some Democratic politicians continue to support military aid to Israel, while others have begun to take a harsher stance.
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Majority of Americans disapprove of US-Israel military alliance, new poll shows. It’s a striking headline, and one that seems to be echoing a growing sentiment across the country. The numbers don’t lie – a significant portion of the American population is questioning the long-standing military and financial support the United States provides to Israel.
This disapproval isn’t coming out of nowhere. We’re seeing a clear divide, with many expressing concerns about the current situation. A significant portion of Democrats and Independents, for instance, are against increasing military aid to Israel. That’s a strong signal, especially when you consider the implications for future elections.… Continue reading
In the last 24 hours, ten Palestinians, including two children, died from starvation, prompting Pope Leo XIV to demand Israel cease its “collective punishment” of Gaza’s population. Reports confirm at least 313 deaths due to hunger since the war’s start, with the UN warning of impending famine. Despite international calls for a ceasefire and the dire humanitarian conditions, Israeli forces continue their offensive, destroying homes and displacing residents in Gaza City. As Israel prepares for an offensive, it disregards concerns about further displacement, exacerbating the crisis while ignoring a US-backed ceasefire proposal.
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The Democratic National Committee voted to reject a resolution advocating for a halt in U.S. arms sales to Israel, despite growing opposition among Democratic voters regarding Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The initial resolution, proposed by a younger DNC member, aimed to represent the views of the party’s younger demographic. Although the original resolution was struck down, a conversation was started and could continue. DNC leadership, including Chair Ken Martin, instead pushed for a resolution calling for a ceasefire and continued military support for Israel, but ultimately pulled the resolution to promote unity.
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Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf admitted the recent conflict with Israel exposed weaknesses in the country’s defenses, making their rectification a top priority. Qalibaf stated that any future conflict would result in expanded retaliation, highlighting a shift from Tehran’s previous claims of military invulnerability. Simultaneously, Iran has conducted military drills and announced the readiness of a new generation of advanced missiles. These actions suggest Iran is recalibrating its stance against Israel, while also signaling a strategic shift in leadership and the potential for renewed military conflict in the region.
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Following the departure of the Dutch foreign affairs minister and his cabinet colleagues, MPs voted against taking further action to pressure Israel. Proposed measures such as boycotting products from the West Bank and banning weapons purchases from Israel were rejected, along with a motion to recognize Palestine. The only consensus reached involved the “total destruction” of Hamas and pressuring countries that condone Hamas leaders, while a call for Israel to admit journalists to Gaza was supported. The remaining coalition parties now face a “rump administration” with the prime minister cancelling an upcoming trip abroad to manage the political crisis ahead of elections in October.
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Ultra-Orthodox Israelis, exempt for decades from military service, are now being drafted.
Okay, so let’s unpack this, because it’s a pretty significant shift in Israeli society. For decades, a sizable portion of the ultra-Orthodox, also known as Haredi Jews, have been largely exempt from mandatory military service. This has led to a situation where a certain segment of the population shoulders a disproportionate burden of national defense while others, for religious and political reasons, have been able to avoid it. This has been a point of tension and, frankly, resentment, for a long time. You hear comments like, “One third of the population pays taxes, one third works, and one third serves in the army.… Continue reading
Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Jewish Democrat from Maryland, has joined a growing number of Democrats in support of the “Block the Bombs Act,” which would halt the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel. This move reflects a decline in Democratic support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Other Jewish Democratic lawmakers, like Rep. Sara Jacobs, Rep. Becca Balint, and Rep. Jan Schakowsky, have also endorsed the legislation. Raskin’s actions mark a departure from traditional support for Israel, as he previously called for a ceasefire and voted against additional aid to Israel during the war.
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The recent IPC report declaring famine in Gaza reflects the global response to the ongoing crisis, according to Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons. While Israel disputes the famine declaration, the report highlights severe food shortages in Gaza City, the focal point of an impending military operation. Simultaneously, a ceasefire proposal endorsed by Hamas remains under consideration, creating a tense situation marked by conflicting narratives and potential military escalation. The Israeli government’s stance includes differing opinions on the future of Gaza and its population, adding further complexity to the situation.
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MAGA erupts after Israeli official charged in child sex ring flees U.S., and the initial reaction, as might be anticipated, is a complex and layered affair. This isn’t a simple case of unified outrage, but rather a fracturing of opinions and responses, colored by pre-existing political allegiances and biases. The immediate question, unsurprisingly, is, “Why?” Why would a segment of the population, particularly those aligned with the “Make America Great Again” movement, erupt at the news of an Israeli official, facing child sex charges, fleeing the U.S.? The answers, as it turns out, are multi-faceted.
The core issue here is the accusation that the Trump administration, or at least individuals sympathetic to it, facilitated the official’s departure.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood