search
Gregory Lyakhov
A Student Covering Politics And Policy

Nancy Pelosi hates Israel?

Nancy Pelosi meets with officials of the Israeli Government. Source: Wikimedia (free for public use)

Nancy Pelosi, one of the most powerful figures in American politics, has long presented herself as a reliable supporter of Israel. With her decades-long career, she has publicly championed the US-Israel alliance as a cornerstone of democracy and security. Yet, beneath her polished statements lies a far more complicated story—one of quiet concessions, shifting priorities, and growing pressure from her own party.

Could Pelosi’s outspoken support for Israel hide a deeper conflict within her leadership? Or even a hesitation to challenge the rising anti-Israel voices among progressives? Examining her record, her alliances, and her party’s transformation reveals a leader walking a tightrope, trying to balance loyalty with political survival.

A Pro-Israel Ally—At First Glance

At first glance, Pelosi’s record appears straightforward. She has consistently emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself, condemned violence against the Jewish state, and backed military aid packages essential to its security. In 2019, she famously declared, “Israel and America share an unbreakable bond… rooted in mutual values of freedom, security, and democracy.”

Under her leadership, the House approved billions in aid to Israel, including the $3.8 billion annual assistance outlined in the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding. Pelosi has also fiercely criticized the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to isolate Israel economically and politically over its treatment of Palestinians. She has framed the movement as counterproductive and discriminatory.

Yet even as she champions Israel in public, Pelosi has faced rising tensions within her own caucus that have tested her commitment.

The Party Divide on Israel

The Democratic Party, once a unified force behind Israel, has splintered in recent years, particularly with the rise of progressive voices questioning US support for Israeli policies. Figures like Representatives Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have been vocal in their criticism, accusing Israel of human rights violations and even labeling it an apartheid state.

In response, Pelosi has walked a fine line. She has publicly condemned antisemitism and rebuked certain inflammatory statements from progressives. However, she has stopped short of taking firm disciplinary action, even when those remarks ignited international controversy.

For example, in 2019, Ilhan Omar suggested that pro-Israel lobbying groups like AIPAC exert too much influence over US politics. While Pelosi and other leaders issued a statement condemning antisemitism, they avoided directly criticizing Omar. This measured approach angered some pro-Israel advocates, who saw it as a missed opportunity to defend Israel’s standing.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Pelosi’s balancing act extends beyond rhetoric to her legislative decisions. In 2021, when progressive lawmakers tried to block a $1 billion funding package for Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, Pelosi allowed the debate to unfold. While the funding ultimately passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, critics questioned why she didn’t immediately shut down opposition from her party’s left flank.

Additionally, Pelosi’s appointment of Representative Betty McCollum to chair the influential Defense Appropriations Subcommittee raised eyebrows. McCollum has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies and has sponsored legislation seeking to restrict US funding from allegedly supporting the detention of Palestinian children. For pro-Israel advocates, this appointment symbolized a troubling shift in priorities under Pelosi’s leadership.

A Changing America

Part of Pelosi’s challenge stems from a broader shift in American public opinion. While polls show that most Americans still sympathize with Israel, this support is waning among Democrats, particularly younger voters. A 2021 survey found that only 40% of Democrats expressed greater sympathy for Israel compared to Palestinians.

This generational and ideological shift within the party has forced Pelosi to navigate competing pressures. On one hand, she must reassure traditional pro-Israel Democrats and powerful lobbying groups like AIPAC. On the other, she faces a progressive base increasingly skeptical of US foreign aid to Israel, particularly when it comes to issues like settlements in the West Bank and alleged human rights abuses.

What Does Pelosi Really Believe?

Pelosi’s leadership suggests a pragmatic, even cautious, approach to the Israel question. Her actions—whether allowing debate on the Iron Dome or refraining from condemning progressive lawmakers too harshly—indicate a leader trying to preserve party unity in an increasingly divided political landscape.

But is this pragmatism masking deeper skepticism about Israel’s policies? Or is Pelosi merely responding to the political realities of a fractured Democratic Party?

Some argue that Pelosi’s willingness to entertain progressive critiques of Israel is a sign of shifting priorities, reflecting the changing views of her party. Others see it as a tactical move to avoid alienating key voting blocs while maintaining her grip on power.

As Pelosi approaches the twilight of her political career, her legacy on Israel remains a point of intense debate. While she will likely be remembered for her steadfast public support of the US-Israel alliance, her measured responses to party divisions tell a more complicated story.

Her leadership on this issue reflects the broader transformation of American politics, where traditional alliances are being reexamined, and the once-unquestionable bond with Israel is now a topic of heated debate.

Nancy Pelosi’s stance on Israel is not just about policy—it’s a reflection of the broader challenges facing a party and a nation caught between competing values, generational divides, and shifting global dynamics. Whether her actions signal a personal evolution or a strategic balancing act, one thing is certain: the story of Pelosi and Israel is far from over.

About the Author
Gregory Lyakhov is one of the youngest advocates for Israel, still only in high school. His work has been featured in The New York Post, The Jerusalem Post, The Algemeiner, and The Times of Israel. He has also made appearances on Fox & Friends and Newsmax.
Related Topics
Related Posts