NEW YORK — As Democrats gear up for a crucial midterm election, internal divisions over Israel are casting shadows over their campaign strategies. Polls indicate a decline in national support for Israel, prompting a wave of congressional challengers who are questioning the U.S.'s longstanding alliance with the Jewish state. This shift is not only stirring base voters but also risking party unity and clarity of message as the primaries approach.

The tension is particularly palpable in states like New Jersey, New York, Michigan, and Illinois, where pro-Palestinian candidates are preparing to challenge pro-Israel incumbents. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Democratic Majority For Israel are already mobilizing support for pro-Israel candidates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

However, the rise of candidates critical of Israel, like Zohran Mamdani in New York, is indicative of a broader ideological shift within the party. Mamdani's mayoral victory has inspired similar challenges across the country, highlighting a growing sentiment among left-leaning Democrats that U.S. foreign policy needs reevaluation — especially regarding Israel and Palestine.

This internal divide is reminiscent of past Democratic rifts over foreign policy, such as the Iraq War, which significantly influenced party dynamics and leadership. Today, the debate over Israel is similarly poised to shape the Democratic narrative, as candidates must navigate a complex landscape of voter sentiments and community interests.

In Michigan, the Democratic Senate primary showcases this evolving dynamic. Candidates like Abdul El-Sayed and Mallory McMorrow are voicing strong criticisms of Israel, contrasting sharply with pro-Israel incumbents like Rep. Haley Stevens. This primary may serve as a bellwether for how deeply these issues resonate with Democratic voters, particularly younger ones and communities with significant Muslim populations.

The stakes are high as Democrats aim to regain control of Congress. The party needs to capture just a few seats in both the House and the Senate, but the Israel debate complicates this goal. While trying to harness the political momentum from recent victories in states like Georgia and Virginia, Democrats must also contend with potential resource drains and divisive primaries that could weaken their candidates in the general election.

As the midterm elections draw nearer, the Democratic Party finds itself at a crossroads, not only in terms of policy but also in identity. How it navigates the complex issue of Israel could very well determine its fortunes, both in 2026 and beyond.