Bill Clinton’s Comments on Israel Spark Backlash from Arab, Muslim Americans
Former President Bill Clinton’s remarks at a rally for Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in Michigan have sparked outrage among Arab and Muslim Americans, Al Jazeera reports.
Clinton’s comments, made in a state with a significant Arab and Muslim population crucial for Democratic victory, were seen as insensitive and damaging to the party’s efforts to win over these communities.
During the rally, Clinton acknowledged the concerns about the violence in Gaza, but argued that Israel was forced to inflict civilian casualties in self-defense, stating that “Hamas makes sure that they’re shielded. They’ll force you to kill civilians if you want to defend yourself.”
He further asserted that Israelis were in the Holy Land “first”, before the Palestinian faith existed, disregarding the historical displacement of Palestinians in 1948 during the war that established Israel.
Clinton’s comments ignited controversy, with Arab and Muslim American leaders criticizing his tone and accusing him of antagonizing communities whose votes Democrats have been courting. Abdullah Hammoud, the mayor of Dearborn, the first Arab-majority city in the US, expressed concern that remarks from Clinton and other Democratic leaders are hurting the party’s standing within his community.
Traditionally Democratic voters, many Arab Americans are now expressing dissatisfaction with the party’s unwavering support for Israel under President Joe Biden, a stance Harris has echoed. Recent surveys suggest that more Arab Americans are supporting Republican candidate Donald Trump than Harris, a trend that could significantly impact the outcome of the election in Michigan.
The Democrats have been criticized for their approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict, focusing their messaging towards pro-Palestinian progressives on warnings about Trump’s potential harm rather than advocating for action to stop Israeli aggression in the Middle East. Clinton’s comments, viewed by some as tone-deaf and lacking empathy for the Palestinian plight, have further exacerbated this divide.
