Democratic Party fails to pass resolution to halt arms to Israel, recognize Palestinian state

The measure did not address the Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

The Democratic National Committee on Tuesday rejected a resolution that called for suspending military aid to Israel, recognizing a Palestinian state, and demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The measure, which also did not address the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, was voted down after lengthy debate at the committee’s summer meeting in Minneapolis.

The failed resolution highlighted growing divisions within the party over Israel’s nearly two-year war with Hamas.

Backed largely by younger Democrats, including leaders of the College Democrats of America, the original resolution sought to impose an arms embargo on Israel.

Some members criticized the resolution as one-sided, noting its silence on Hamas’s October 7 attacks and the hostages still in captivity.

At the same meeting, DNC chairman Ken Martin put forward a separate proposal urging a ceasefire, an influx of humanitarian aid to Gaza, the release of hostages, and a negotiated path toward a two-state solution.

That measure initially advanced unanimously, but Martin later withdrew it, saying he would establish a task force to continue the discussion.

“There’s divide in our party on this issue,” Martin said. “We have to find a path forward as a party and we have to stay unified.”

His decision was seen as an effort to avoid a public floor fight and to allow more time for members to build consensus.

The debate revealed sharp differences between the party establishment and grass-roots activists, who have pressed for a harder line against Israel.

Some Democrats argued the party should focus on unity ahead of the 2026 elections rather than prolong disputes over foreign policy.

Supporters of the tougher resolution said it was necessary to confront the question of US military support for Israel.

Opponents countered that ignoring the plight of the hostages made the measure unacceptable.

With Martin’s task force now taking up the issue, the DNC left Minneapolis without adopting a formal position, reflecting the challenge of reconciling sharply different views within the party.