The US has been quite vocal about its continuous support for Israel following the Oct 7 attack. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been firm in supporting Israel’s right to defend itself while also expressing concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The US-Israel alliance has dwelled upon the fact that Israel must take action to protect its citizens. The Biden administration has been committed to continuous military support to ensure Israel’s right to security. However, even after a year now, the situation in Gaza still intensifies with rising civilian casualties on a daily basis.
But the question arises: Will this support affect the vote bank for Democrats among Arab Americans?
Many feel that the Biden administration failed to make an agreement on both sides and call for a ceasefire. This has sparked protests all over the world, particularly amongst Muslim countries, who have expressed anger and believe that the administration should take a stronger stand on humanitarian aid for people in war-battered Gaza.
In recent weeks, the US Vice President and Democrats have been meeting with Arab and Muslim leaders in Michigan. During her campaign rally in Michigan, Harris was even asked to take a step back from Biden’s Israel policy and urge for a ceasefire.
In the past, Arab Americans were a majority voting bank for Democrats, especially after 9/11 and because of Trump’s anti-Muslim dialogues. Traditionally, the total voter turnout of Arab Americans has been over 80 per cent. However, this year only 63 per cent of the members of the Arab community are looking forward to the elections next month.
Harris seems to be concerned about Arab voters in Michigan. Some community leaders have also mentioned that the majority of Arab Americans might withhold their support for Democrats in the 2024 elections unless some changes are made in the policies.
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According to Swing State Poll 2024- Muslims and Arabs in Michigan play an important role in changing the whole outcome of the US Presidential Elections. Their main concern revolves around the lack of administration decision-making in calling for an immediate ceasefire and the constant supply of military aid to Israel amid endless casualties. A recent poll by Arab Americans Institute shows that the Democrats are hitting an all-time low of 23 per cent after October 7.
Also, voters of the Arab community are preferring Republicans to take over the next Congress. This can have a huge impact, as the community played an important role in contributing to Biden’s victory in 2020.
Harris is working towards connecting with the larger Muslim and Arab citizens. The effort, however, comes as tension between Israel and Lebanon has been rising.
Many progressive Democrats have also criticised the administration over human rights issues and have been pressuring the Biden administration for de-escalation and ebsuring humanitarian aid supply to the people in Gaza. Many vocal figures, like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, have questioned the policies on the conflict.
This has created a divide within the party, with some supporting the stance while others being critical of it. With days passing by, the crisis in Gaza remains unresolved even as both Harris and Biden have been trying to strike a balance between the two sides.
