Stevens Criticizes Sanders’ Middle East Policy, Advocates for Democratic Unity

Democratic Representative Haley Stevens has voiced her criticism of Senator Bernie Sanders’ Middle East policy, labeling it as part of an anti-Zionist trend she considers problematic. Stevens, who previously lost to Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate primary, expressed her concerns in an interview with The Jerusalem Post.

Stevens questioned Sanders’ contributions to peace in the Middle East and Palestinian rights, describing his stance as promoting extreme viewpoints. She said, “I really don’t know what Bernie Sanders has done for peace in the Middle East, for Palestinian dignity; I can’t think of anything he’s totally done. It’s a sickness that needs to end.”

Sanders has been an advocate for ending U.S. military aid to Israel, often criticizing the Israeli government’s policies. Stevens regards anti-Zionism as a harmful movement in America and Western nations. “I believe that anti-Zionism is a hate movement that has taken over in America and throughout parts of the West,” Stevens stated.

During the interview, Stevens acknowledged Israel’s challenges and mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “problem.” Despite her criticism of Israeli leadership, she argues against singling out Israel in global discourse, stating that America often uses Israel as a scapegoat.

Following her primary loss, Stevens endorsed Abdul El-Sayed and recommended he sever ties with Hasan Piker, a far-left streamer involved in El-Sayed’s campaign. During an interview with Fox News’ “The Sunday Briefing,” Stevens suggested that the Democratic agenda, focusing on healthcare, democracy, and Black-owned businesses, is more favorable compared to El-Sayed’s Republican opponent, Mike Rogers.

When questioned about El-Sayed’s appeal to various voter demographics, Stevens cited her strong connection with those groups, particularly Jewish voters and Reagan-era Democrats, and emphasized her commitment as a Zionist Democrat to inclusivity within the party. “I want the people who share my views and values to feel safe and to feel heard in the Democratic Party,” she remarked.

Criticism also came from Qasim Rashid, a human rights lawyer and radio host, who labeled Stevens’ comments as “profoundly disappointing.” Rashid accused the Israeli government of committing human rights violations and argued that the U.S. should cease funding in light of credible evidence of atrocities.

Stevens’ stance, according to Rashid, risks alienating voters and jeopardizing Democratic prospects in Michigan against MAGA Republicans. “By continuing to insist on arming Israel…Haley Stevens is on the wrong side of history,” Rashid added.

Public opinion on Israel has shifted, as reflected in a March poll showing growing disfavor among Democrats and independents, following prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. The NBC News survey indicated that only 32% of Americans hold a positive view of Israel, compared to a more favorable sentiment three years prior.

Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser and associate editor Hanna Panreck contributed to this report.