President Biden Faces Criticism from Pro-Israel Donors

President Biden’s recent criticism of Israel has sparked backlash from some of his biggest pro-Israel donors, highlighting the delicate balance he must strike in navigating the complex politics of the Middle East conflict.

One such donor, Haim Saban, a Democratic megadonor and Israeli American, recently expressed his disapproval of Biden’s decision to pause bomb shipments to Israel over concerns of a possible ground operation in Rafah. In an email to senior White House officials, Saban urged a reconsideration of the move, emphasizing the importance of Israel to Jewish voters.

Saban’s public criticism underscores the divisions within the Democratic Party that have emerged since the recent escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas. While Biden has traditionally enjoyed strong support from pro-Israel donors, his more critical stance towards Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s conduct of the conflict has raised concerns among some in the pro-Israel community.

Despite Biden’s long-standing support for Israel, some donors and influential voices are expressing unease over what they perceive as a shift in U.S. policy towards the region. Mark Mellman, president and CEO of Democratic Majority for Israel, noted that while Biden remains a staunch supporter of Israel, there are growing concerns within the pro-Israel community about the direction of U.S. policy.

As Biden continues to navigate the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict, the political consequences of his actions remain uncertain. The public feud with pro-Israel donors like Saban underscores the challenges he faces in balancing competing interests and maintaining his political support base.