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4. Do you think Israel meets international standards of human rights?
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The Context
Democratic views of Israel are in flux. President Trump has redefined the American role in the region and a younger generation of liberals are questioning Democrats’ longstanding support of Israel’s security policies. We thought this question would gauge Democrats’ willingness to criticize Israel, and found few candidates who would do so.
Pete Buttigieg
Former mayor of South Bend, Ind., 38
“Israel’s human rights record is problematic and moving in the wrong direction.”
Amy Klobuchar
Senator from Minnesota, 59
“When Israel does things that I think are against public policy and international policy, I will call them out on it.”
“When Israel does things that I think are against public policy and international policy, I will call them out on it.”
Cory Booker
Senator from New Jersey, 50
“We have a problem right now in America with the way we are debating issues surrounding Israel.”
“We have a problem right now in America with the way we are debating issues surrounding Israel.”
Beto O’Rourke
Former congressman from Texas, 47
“I know that Israel attempts to meet international standards of human rights. I know that they could do a better job.”
“I know that Israel attempts to meet international standards of human rights. I know that they could do a better job.”
Bernie Sanders
Senator from Vermont, 78
“The role of the United States is to work with all of the entities in the region, including the Palestinians.”
“The role of the United States is to work with all of the entities in the region, including the Palestinians.”
Julián Castro
Former housing secretary, 45
“I believe that Israel, like a lot of countries, wants to do the right thing.”
Bill de Blasio
Mayor of New York City, 58
“The current Israeli government has made a lot of mistakes that have hindered the peace process.”
“The current Israeli government has made a lot of mistakes that have hindered the peace process.”
John Hickenlooper
Former governor of Colorado, 68
“They are at a point now where they are at a crossroads.”
Seth Moulton
Congressman from Massachusetts, 41
“I think Israel often does, but not always. And it’s incumbent on us as an ally to hold them accountable.”
“I think Israel often does, but not always. And it’s incumbent on us as an ally to hold them accountable.”
Kirsten Gillibrand
Senator from New York, 53
“I do, and I believe that Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East.”
Andrew Yang
Former tech executive, 45
“Certainly, some of the actions that are being taken there are deeply problematic.”
Steve Bullock
Governor of Montana, 53
“I think that Israel’s a trusted partner, a trusted friend to our country.”
Marianne Williamson
Self-help author, 67
“As President of the United States, I would have an equally robust commitment to both the legitimate security concerns of Israel, and the human rights of the Palestinians.”
“As President of the United States, I would have an equally robust commitment to both the legitimate security concerns of Israel, and the human rights of the Palestinians.”
Jay Inslee
Governor of Washington State, 69
“I do not believe the present government of Israel has followed policies.”
Eric Swalwell
Congressman from California, 39
“I’m going to fire Jared Kushner on Day 1, because he has no business being on the job of seeking a two-state solution.”
“I’m going to fire Jared Kushner on Day 1, because he has no business being on the job of seeking a two-state solution.”