Pro-Israel Congressman Warns Ben-Gvir's Cabinet Role is Existential Threat

Veteran Democratic Congressman Brad Sherman has issued a stark warning to Israel, urging "every Israeli official and every voter" to heed declining American public support for the Jewish state. Sherman, a staunch supporter of Israel, shared CNN data indicating a dramatic drop in favorability, cautioning that Israel risks not only its annual U.S. aid but also access to American weaponry and diplomatic backing.

Sherman pointed to a significant shift in American public opinion, citing CNN analysis showing net favorability for Israel plummeting from plus 51 points in 2018 to minus 16 points currently, a 67-point change. Furthermore, polls suggest 55% of Americans believe U.S. military aid to Israel should be reduced or halted. Sherman emphasized that the U.S.-Israel relationship extends beyond the traditional $3.8 billion in annual aid, encompassing crucial access to arms and diplomatic support.

The congressman criticized Israel's perceived inaction in improving its global image, stating, "Israel has not been prepared to take even a few steps to improve its image in the world." He specifically identified National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's presence in the cabinet as an "existential threat," asserting, "Israel cannot survive without friends in the world."

Sherman also focused criticism on the West Bank, stating that settler violence will continue until relevant offices are held by individuals genuinely opposed to it. He noted that the negative poll data would likely worsen as long as settler violence persists. This sentiment is echoed in broader polling, with multiple national surveys showing negative favorability for Israel among Americans, particularly Democrats, where net favorability has fallen from plus 35 in 2018 to minus 51 currently.

Despite his strong words, Sherman framed his message not as a call to sever ties, but as an urgent alert from a long-time supporter about the changing political landscape in the U.S. and the potential consequences of continued erosion of public opinion. Minister Ben-Gvir responded defiantly, stating, "Thank you to all the advisors and members of Congress from around the world for the advice, but this is my way, and I will continue to act for the security of the citizens of Israel, without fear!" He dismissed the criticism as a familiar narrative that has historically proven wrong.