The staggering Hamas surprise attack on Israel has done what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu never could — united America’s fractious politicians behind his nation again. Sort of. Mostly. For now.
After years in which support for Israel had turned into an increasingly partisan issue in Washington, Democratic and Republican leaders in recent days have generally responded with broad condemnation of Hamas and expressions of solidarity following the slaughter of hundreds of Israeli civilians.
But that surface unity had already begun to fray around the edges by Monday as Israel retaliated with punishing airstrikes on Gaza, cut off food and water to the enclave and prepared for what may become a ground invasion that could further endanger Palestinian civilians. Some on the left wing of the Democratic Party were criticizing Israel for “apartheid” policies oppressing Palestinians and calling for an end to U.S. aid.
For the moment, such sentiments have been restricted to the fringes of the House Democratic caucus and have drawn swift rebukes from more centrist members of the party. The reality, however, is that the sympathy and support for Israel will be tested the longer the fighting continues and the more firepower that Israeli forces employ, according to lawmakers and political strategists. The challenge for President Biden and his allies is to translate the current outrage at Hamas into a sustained consensus for Israel.
The sensitivity of that was made clear by mixed…
