Lapid Seeks to Reassure U.S. Democrats of Israel Ties Amid Growing Divide over Gaza Conflict
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Lapid, Israel's opposition leader, is reaching out to Democrats in the U.S. to reinforce support for Israel during the conflict with Hamas, but Democrats remain skeptical of the new Israeli government.
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There is a growing divide between Democrats and Israel over scenes of devastation in Gaza, even as Biden remains staunchly pro-Israel.
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Lapid is contrasting himself with Netanyahu by showing he can engage with Democrats, but he still backs Israel's military campaign that Democrats criticize.
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Polls suggest Israelis want a tough security response more than a leader who can work with Democrats, making Lapid's outreach precarious.
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The future of U.S.-Israel ties depends on Democrats accepting leaders like Lapid who back campaigns they oppose, as more moderate alternatives in Israel are unlikely.