Schumer Navigates Divisions Among Democrats Over Israel's Conflict With Palestinians

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faces divisions among Democrats over Israel's response to attacks. Progressives want Israel to de-escalate while moderates back Israel's actions.

Democratic sympathies have shifted away from Israel toward Palestinians in recent years per polls. Some attribute this to Netanyahu's right-wing leadership.

Progressive senators like Bernie Sanders and Ed Markey have called for Israel to show restraint and criticized the siege of Gaza. Others strongly back Israel.

Vulnerable Democratic senators pressed Biden to freeze $6 billion in funding to Iran, conflicting with his diplomatic goals. Schumer hadn't taken a stance before the funding was blocked.

Schumer voted against Obama's Iran nuclear deal but as majority leader faces pressure to support Biden's diplomatic efforts with Iran like the recent prisoner exchange.