Stevens Criticizes Sanders on Middle East Policy

Rep. Haley Stevens, a Democrat from Michigan, spoke out against Sen. Bernie Sanders regarding his policy on the Middle East in a recent interview. Stevens, who lost the Michigan Senate primary to Abdul El-Sayed, labeled Sanders as part of an anti-Zionist trend.

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. It’s a sickness that needs to end. You know, it’s a linkage towards extremism or jihad, I don’t know,

she stated in her interview with The Jerusalem Post. Sanders has often opposed U.S. military aid to Israel and has criticized the Israeli government.

Stevens shared her opinion that anti-Zionism is becoming a widespread hate movement. During her election campaign night, she voiced her concerns that Israel is being unfairly targeted amidst America’s challenges.

While critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Stevens nonetheless endorsed El-Sayed shortly after her primary defeat. She recommended El-Sayed sever ties with Hasan Piker, a streamer known for far-left views. Stevens advised,It certainly makes sense to get rid of this Hasan Piker affiliation, stating her belief in the superiority of Democratic plans for healthcare, democracy, and support for Black-owned businesses. However, Stevens’s recent comments about Sanders have stirred reactions.

Qasim Rashid, a radio host and human rights lawyer, described Stevens’s remarks as disappointing and misaligned with human rights principles.

It is a well-established fact that the Israeli government has targeted and killed civilians. Leading human rights organizations and scholars have documented it as genocide.

Rashid criticized Stevens’s stance on U.S. military support to Israel, arguing that such funding contradicts U.S. laws like Leahy laws, aimed at stopping aid to governments committing human rights abuses.

A recent NBC News poll shows changing American perspectives on Israel. Only 32% of Americans have a positive view of Israel, contrasting the 47% positive view from three years ago.

The discussion over U.S. support for Israel remains heated among Democrats post-conflict between Israelis and Hamas in Gaza. Sanders has called on Democrats to curb Super PACs from influencing primaries and has criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).