J Street Policy Chief: Netanyahu Eroding Israel’s Bipartisan US Support

Ilan Goldenberg, senior vice president and chief policy officer at J Street, told The Jerusalem Post that the liberal Zionist position represents the most effective approach to sustaining the US-Israel bilateral relationship amid shifting American views. A former adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, Goldenberg explained that this stance aligns with the middle ground held by most Americans and US Jews. He noted that the current political discourse often appears polarized between two extremes, drowning out the quiet voices of the American majority.

Goldenberg described hearing from voters who expressed a desire for Israel to thrive as a Jewish democratic state while also ensuring Palestinians have freedom, security, and their own state. He stated that these voters were horrified by the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, but were also unhappy with the manner in which the Israeli government has handled operations in Gaza. Goldenberg said he decided to join J Street to build a platform that could speak to this overwhelming majority of American Jews who seek to support Israel while maintaining a nuanced perspective.

Addressing the political landscape, Goldenberg noted that polling indicates increasing frustration with Israel within the Democratic Party. However, he argued that these surveys do not indicate a desire to completely abandon the relationship. He stated that the increasing prominence of radical figures does not reflect where Democrats actually stand, as Jewish Democratic Party voters and the party more broadly want to support Israel while comfortably airing disagreements when they arise.

As evidence of the prevalence of this middle ground among Democratic voters, Goldenberg pointed to the electoral success of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss. Biss won the March Democratic primary race for an Illinois congressional seat, defeating candidates Kat Abughazaleh and Laura Fine. Goldenberg positioned Biss as a representative of the centrist approach that prioritizes support for Israel alongside a willingness to engage in policy debates.

The interview highlighted the challenge of stabilizing the political terrain as both major political estates shift their sentiments toward the Jewish state. Goldenberg emphasized the need for policies that can stabilize the relationship against erosion, arguing that the loud fringes shouting on one side—claiming Israel engaged in genocide—and the other supporting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unconditionally do not represent the broader consensus. He suggested that a platform capable of addressing the concerns of the majority is essential for the future of the bilateral relationship.

In navigating these complex political dynamics, the pursuit of a just and peaceful resolution remains a critical objective. The tension between security concerns and the desire for mutual coexistence reflects a broader moral imperative to seek truth and mercy in public discourse. As Micah 6:8 calls for justice and humility, the political efforts described by Goldenberg underscore the ongoing need for accountability and care for all affected parties. The distinction between supporting a state and critiquing its government policies is central to maintaining a relationship grounded in shared values and mutual respect.

Source: Read the original report