New US Senator Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Israel's Right to Exist

Newly elected U.S. Senator Abdul Al-Sayed, the first Muslim to hold the office, has drawn criticism for his statements regarding Israel's right to exist. In a November 1 interview on CBS's "60 Minutes," aired two days before the election, Al-Sayed unequivocally affirmed the Palestinians' right to their own state but expressed reservations about Israel's. This stance has exacerbated divisions within the Democratic Party. Al-Sayed also criticized U.S. policy, arguing that while Washington professes support for a two-state solution, it simultaneously arms those opposing Palestinian independence. He further opposed the use of American taxpayer money for military purchases by Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Al-Sayed accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, an allegation Israel denies. The International Court of Justice has not yet issued a final ruling on South Africa's case, though it has mandated provisional measures. His Republican opponent, Mike Rogers, asserted unconditional support for Israel's right to self-defense and its existence as a Jewish state, accusing Al-Sayed of failing to recognize this right. When questioned about Israel's right to exist, Al-Sayed stated he is constantly asked this question but never about Palestine. When asked if a "Palestinian state" has such a right, he responded, "Yes, if there is mutual understanding." He advocates for equal rights for Palestinians and Israelis to live in peace and self-determination, expressing openness to supporting either a two-state solution or a single state based on different principles, should the people choose. A previous report noted that a significant portion of Jewish voters in Michigan, 57% in an early voting poll, supported Al-Sayed, despite his critical stance on Israel.