MINNEAPOLIS — A debate emerged among Democratic National Committee members on Tuesday regarding Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict. This prompted the party chair to retract a resolution and instead address the concerns of a younger faction advocating for a firmer stance.
Initially, a DNC panel approved a resolution by chair Ken Martin, calling for a ceasefire and unfettered aid to Gaza. However, a separate resolution demanding an arms embargo and halting military aid to Israel was blocked.
As leaders declared the rival resolution’s failure, a man vocally expressed frustration, citing substantial support for a tougher stand on Israel: “Ninety-three percent of Democrats — you gotta be f—ing kidding me.”
Recognizing the division, Martin announced he would withdraw his resolution to better include the perspectives of younger Democrats advocating a stronger line on Israel.
Martin explained his decision to retract the resolution was to continue party discussions and maintain unity. Describing the Gaza situation as urgent, he emphasized the need for a unified path forward.
Allison Minnerly, a 26-year-old DNC member from Florida, had pushed for the embargo and suspension of military aid resolution. Martin had not previously engaged with her until Tuesday, when he privately spoke with Minnerly after her resolution was defeated.
Minnerly said that since her stance on the war and her proposed amendment became public, she has been swamped with shows of support from around the nation.
“The majority of our party is looking for answers and leadership on this issue, and they’re going to continue sending emails like the almost 200,000 that were sent just this week,” Minnerly told reporters. “I will not be surprised if the activism and organizing continues.”
Minnerly said she hoped Martin would include her in future conversations to help shape the DNC’s ultimate position on the issue.
“There needs to be urgency. When we reach a point of 90-10 issue within the party, the voters are more than ready to have this decided and resolved,” she said, referring to a July Gallup poll. “It’s just a matter of when is the party going to start listening.”
