Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens of Michigan publicly criticized Sen. Bernie Sanders over his stance on Israel in a recent interview, calling his approach part of an "anti-Zionist sickness." Stevens made the remarks during an interview with The Jerusalem Post, shortly after losing the state’s August Senate primary to progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Stevens, who endorsed El-Sayed following her primary defeat, argued that Sanders’ Middle East policy has not contributed to peace or Palestinian dignity. "I really don’t know what Bernie Sanders has done for peace in the Middle East, for Palestinian dignity; I can’t think of anything he’s totally done," she stated. She further described anti-Zionism as "a hate movement that has taken over in America and throughout parts of the West."
Sanders has long advocated for reducing U.S. military aid to Israel and has been a vocal critic of the Israeli government’s policies. His office did not respond to requests for comment on Stevens’ remarks.
Criticism of Netanyahu, Support for El-Sayed
While Stevens criticized Sanders’ broader Middle East approach, she also expressed concerns about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him "a problem." She endorsed El-Sayed shortly after her primary loss but urged him to distance himself from far-left commentator Hasan Piker, with whom El-Sayed has campaigned. "It certainly makes sense to get rid of this Hasan Piker affiliation," Stevens said in an August interview with Fox News.
Stevens’ comments reflect ongoing divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel policy, particularly between progressive factions and more centrist members. The debate has intensified in recent years, with Sanders and other progressives pushing for a reassessment of U.S.-Israel relations, while others argue for maintaining strong support for the Israeli government.
Context: Sanders’ Israel Policy
Sanders has repeatedly called for ending U.S. military aid to Israel, citing human rights concerns and the need to pressure the Israeli government toward policy changes. His stance has drawn both praise from pro-Palestinian advocacy groups and criticism from supporters of Israel, who argue that such measures could undermine regional stability. Stevens’ remarks underscore the political and ideological tensions within the Democratic Party regarding Middle East policy ahead of upcoming elections.