Approach to Middle East
Introduction
I’m running for Congress as a next-generation Democrat who believes our foreign policy should reflect values-based leadership. The world is complex, but our principles must remain clear: democracy, dignity, and human life must always matter.
At a time when too many leaders retreat into cynicism or silence, I still believe that American leadership can be a force for peace, that long-standing alliances like the one between the U.S. and Israel matter, and that our support for democratic partners must also come with honest accountability.
October 7th and the Threat of Hamas
The October 7th terrorist attack by Hamas was a horror that shook the world. Innocent civilians, children, and the elderly were targeted in cold blood. There can be no excuse, no justification, and no ambiguity in condemning such violence.
Hamas is a terrorist organization that has hijacked the future of both Palestinians and Israelis. It must be dismantled because there can be no lasting peace, security, or meaningful Palestinian self-determination so long as Hamas remains in power.
At the same time, Israel’s response must reflect the democratic values it shares with the United States. That includes doing everything possible to protect innocent lives and ensure humanitarian aid reaches civilians. War is always tragic, but even in war, there is a moral line that must not be crossed.
Using starvation as a weapon is too far. We must ensure the people of Gaza are not collectively punished. We must flood Gaza with food, medicine, and humanitarian aid—not out of weakness, but because it is a reflection of our strength.
Supporting Israel, Not Netanyahu
Being pro-Israel does not mean blindly defending the actions of its government. In fact, supporting the Israeli people—many of whom are protesting in the streets right now—requires us to be clear-eyed about what is happening.
I think of the African proverb: When the elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. What we are witnessing is not just a conflict between Israel and Hamas, it is also a clash between Netanyahu’s political survival strategy and the basic human dignity of both Palestinians and Israelis.
Netanyahu’s far-right government has increasingly exploited Israel’s long-standing relationship with the U.S., clinging to war as a way to hold onto power. His actions—particularly the resistance to meaningful humanitarian aid—are eroding the very values that bind our countries together.
Supporting Israel means supporting its people. And supporting its people means demanding leadership worthy of them.
Clarity, Not Caricature
Israel is often portrayed in one-dimensional terms. But to call it merely a military power ignores the reality that it is a small democracy, surrounded by hostile actors, navigating the trauma of generational threats.
At the same time, we must acknowledge the devastating human cost of this conflict in Gaza: thousands killed, families displaced, children starving. Palestinian lives have inherent worth. Compassion is not weakness. It is strength.
I support Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. I also believe that true friends tell each other the truth. The U.S.-Israel relationship must be rooted in shared values, not just shared weapons systems.
What I Support
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Continued U.S. investment in Israel’s defensive systems like Iron Dome.
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Dismantling Hamas and all terrorist infrastructure.
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Dramatically expanded humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians.
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Ensuring all U.S. military support aligns with humanitarian principles and minimizes civilian harm
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Ongoing normalization efforts and regional diplomacy grounded in justice and sustainability.
Recommitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace.
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Upholding the Taylor Force Act to prevent U.S. funds from rewarding terror.
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Reinvigorating U.S. leadership in peace-building and long-term reconstruction.