Democrats preparing for the 2028 presidential race are increasingly focusing on Israel, recognizing it as a pivotal issue likely to test party unity in the upcoming primary. This was underscored on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, when House Democrats were nearly evenly divided on Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-Ky.) amendment to cut $3.3 billion in military and humanitarian aid to Israel. The amendment received support from 103 Democrats but was opposed by 98, ultimately failing with Massie as the lone Republican backer.

The vote highlighted a growing rift within the Democratic Party over Israel policy. Prospective White House candidates are actively defining their stances on the issue. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, a moderate Democrat and likely 2028 contender, advocated maintaining the historic U.S.-Israel alliance while proposing an end to U.S. military subsidies to Israel, sanctions on violent Israeli settlers in the West Bank, and a “23-state solution” aimed at preserving Israel’s security alongside a viable Palestinian state.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a prominent Democratic advocate for Israel since joining the Senate in 2023, criticized former President Donald Trump’s continued fixation on the 2020 election loss. In a July 20, 2026, interview on CNN’s State of the Union, Fetterman urged Trump to focus on positive actions, such as resolving the U.S. war in Iran, rather than revisiting settled election claims. Fetterman also stated he would consider leaving the Democratic Party if it became “the anti-Israel party,” a remark made following the House vote on halting Israeli military aid amid incursions into Gaza and Lebanon. Despite some Republican overtures, Fetterman expressed no interest in switching parties due to disagreements with Republican policies.

Jeremy Ben-Ami, president of the center-left lobbying group J Street, noted the difficulty members of Congress face in navigating the shifting political landscape on Israel. He described the current moment as a challenge to find solid ground amid evolving dynamics.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro expressed optimism that the Democratic Party would undergo a period of internal debate over its principles regarding Israel, ultimately emerging unified to effectively advocate for the American people.

Sources