Congressional Democrats publicly divided over Israel

Democratic members of Congress remain publicly divided over support of Israel as the conflict escalates, with Muslim Rep. Andre Carson, D-Ind., calling Jewish Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., a "punk" and that rather than peacefully debate, the two could "get into something else" to address the issue. 

The dispute began late last week when Gottheimer wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "Last night, 15 of my Democratic colleagues voted AGAINST standing with our ally Israel and condemning Hamas terrorists who brutally murdered, raped, and kidnapped babies, children, men, women, and elderly, including Americans. They are despicable and do not speak for our party."

The resolution, "Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists," passed the House in a 412-10 vote, with nine Democrats voting against the resolution and six voting "Present." 

As one of the nine Democrats who voted against the measure, Carson said after the vote that the resolution is "horribly one-sided" and "creates further division and spurs harmful rhetoric."

On Sunday, Carson told CNN: "I think he’s shown himself to be very emotional. I think he’s posturing before the cameras. He postured before caucus, but like most cowardly people, when you confront them, they’re afraid. I’m unafraid of the guy. I’d like to sit down to talk to him. He probably doesn’t want to talk to me." 

Carson also said that if Gottheimer "wants to call us despicable, I’m saying he’s a coward. And he’s a punk and he should remember why the people sent him here and if he wants to play some kind of tough guy, a gangster – we can handle it like gentlemen, or we can get into something else."

A meeting between Gottheimer and Carson is reportedly likely to occur this week. 

"I’ll sit down with Mr. Carson anytime to talk about how we can bring the hostages home, including all Americans, provide immediate humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians being used as human shields, and crush Hamas and all terrorists seeking to do us harm," Gottheimer said. 

The squabble between the two highlights the larger divide within the Democratic Party between the far left and its more moderate members.

Other Democrats who voted against the resolution include Reps. Jamaal Bowman, N.Y.; Corey Bush, Mo.; Al Green, Texas; Summer Lee, Pa.; Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, N.Y.; Ilhan Omar, Minn.; Delia Ramirez, Ill.; and Rashida Tlaib, Mich.

Democrats who voted "Present" include Reps. Greg Casar, Texas; Joaquin Castro, Texas; Jesus Garcia, Ill.; Pramila Jayapal, Wash.; Ayanna Pressley, Ma.; and Nydia Velazquez, N.Y.

Jayapal said she supported the resolution before the conflict expanded, and then she wanted to include language to mark the loss of Palestinian life.

She also said she thinks the war is harming President Joe Biden.

“I think this war is hurting the president. I think it’s hurting the Democratic party. And I think, you know, war – it’s always difficult. I don’t want this to be our Iraq War," Jayapal said. "I think we have to be very conscious of what is happening and our particular ability to de-escalate."

Meanwhile, Jewish Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, D-Fla., said before the measure came to the floor that anyone who votes against it "doesn't have a soul." 

Follow Madeleine Hubbard on X or Instagram.