Democrats on Capitol Hill find themselves in a constant state of turmoil.
Just as clashes with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif) and Trump administration security officials converged on a divisive immigration issue, Israel’s recent strikes on Iran have redirected national attention to another contentious topic that has long divided the party.
While many Democrats swiftly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to launch an attack on Thursday night, others viewed it as a crucial move to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
This rift is unwelcome for Democratic leaders who had rallied strongly behind Padilla earlier that day, anticipating a united front as lawmakers returned to their districts. Instead, Israel’s actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure have reignited debates about Netanyahu’s aggressive military tactics.
On one side, Israel’s closest allies in Congress lauded Netanyahu’s preemptive strike as a necessary measure for regional security.
“The October 7 attack demonstrated that Israel cannot afford to take risks. The threat is genuine, and inaction could lead to loss of life,” stated Sen. Stephen Horseford (D-Nev.), former head of the Congressional Black Caucus. “The recent strike in Iran targeted military leaders and nuclear facilities that endanger future peace in Israel and the region.”
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) cautioned that allowing Iran to pursue nuclear weapon development places Israel, the US, and regional allies in constant peril.
“Iran could have avoided this scenario. They chose a different path,” Moskowitz asserted. “Both Democratic and Republican administrations agree that Iran must never attain nuclear weapons, which serves this bipartisan goal.”
Conversely, many progressive Democrats express starkly different views. They have long criticized Netanyahu, especially as the casualty count in Gaza has exceeded 50,000. They were quick to condemn the Israeli government’s recent military actions against Iran.
“Israel’s reckless escalation against Iran is likely to incite a broader regional conflict and undermines ongoing negotiations for a new nuclear deal,” voiced Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “This sudden decision to attack Iran heightens the risk of regional violence.”
“These strikes threaten the stability of not just innocent civilians but also the security of the Middle East and the safety of American citizens and military personnel,” Reed added. “Given the complex tensions between Israel and Iran, large-scale military attacks are not the solution.”
In sharp contrast, Republicans largely stand united in support of Netanyahu’s actions, with few dissenters.
“The Israeli preemptive strike ensures that Iran’s next attack will not involve nuclear weapons,” declared House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Rep. Brian Mast (R-FLA.).
In response to the escalating situation, Iran launched a series of retaliatory missile strikes, some targeting Tel Aviv. Tehran has also pulled back from meetings with US officials regarding a nuclear deal, originally scheduled for Sunday in Oman.
The discord within the Democratic Party was not something its leaders anticipated as Congress adjourned on Thursday afternoon.
Just hours earlier, Padilla was involved in a confrontation with DHS Secretary Christie Noem at a press conference in Los Angeles, during which DHS personnel forcibly restrained him in a nearby corridor.
This altercation sent shockwaves through the Capitol, as Democrats rushed to present a unified stance against Trump’s stringent enforcement measures in Los Angeles.
Some Democrats, seeking leverage, have turned their focus to Trump’s controversial actions while others prefer not to highlight contentious themes that could alienate voters. Yet, as party leaders strive to redirect the conversation to Trump’s legislative agenda, including proposed Medicaid cuts for the wealthy, they also condemn his tactics in LA, attempting to strike a careful balance.
“He views the protests in Los Angeles as a pretext to create chaos and distract from a faltering economy and proposed cuts to Medicaid and food aid,” asserted the House Democrats’ Caucus Speaker in California earlier in the week.
In stark contrast, Padilla’s events have galvanized a rallying cry. Democrats across both chambers quickly united in support of their colleague, accusing officials of overstepping their authority and demanding an investigation into the incident. Many labeled it an outright attack.
“The Trump administration is acting dishonorably. Secretary Noem’s actions are disgraceful. Senator Alex Padilla’s treatment was completely unacceptable,” remarked minority leader Hakim Jeffries (D-N.Y.) on the Capitol steps Thursday afternoon.
Subsequently, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus organized a march from the Capitol to Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s office (R-S.D.), seeking a response. Finding Thune absent, they proceeded to House Speaker Mike Johnson’s office (R-La.), who refused to meet them.
The CHC led the charge, with support from prominent Democrats like Rep. Katherine Clark (D-Mass.), the Democratic Whip, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD), ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, and leaders of the Asian Pacific American Caucus.
“This movement is fueled by a collective outrage at the authoritarian and violent actions of this administration,” pointed out Raul Ruiz (D-Calif), former chair of the Hispanic Caucus.
Hours later, as Congress emptied out, Israel initiated strikes in Tehran upon lawmakers’ return home.
Source: thehill.com