Michigan Senate Candidate Questions US Friendship With Israel

Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the Senate in Michigan, made strong remarks Tuesday, calling for an end to defining Israel as a close friend of the United States. He likened the situation to a child with a friend who constantly exploits them, suggesting that such a friend is not truly a friend. El-Sayed extended this analogy to allies, stating that an ally who takes your money to drag you into wars you shouldn't be fighting is not a true ally. "I think it's time we understand that Israel is not really our friend," he declared.

This is not the first time the Senate candidate has spoken critically of Israel, particularly since October 7. Notably, former Vice President Kamala Harris visited Michigan last month to attend campaign rallies alongside El-Sayed. Her spokesperson stated that Harris looked forward to returning to Michigan to help energize voters in the crucial state, highlighting Black maternal health issues alongside Dr. El-Sayed and emphasizing the need to flip the Senate to lower costs and counter Donald Trump's corruption.

During his primary campaign, El-Sayed adopted a strong stance against Israel. He described the war in Gaza as "genocide," called for an immediate halt to U.S. military aid to Israel, and sharply criticized the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, which reportedly spent $30 million against him, suggesting they "burn their money."