Despite differing views on Israel’s policy with President Biden, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) affirmed her support for him in the upcoming November general election. Omar, speaking to CNN’s Abby Phillip on “NewsNight,” emphasized the critical nature of democracy and the fight against fascism as her reasons for backing Biden, despite their policy disagreements. She reflected on the challenges faced during Trump’s presidency and the importance of preventing such experiences in the future.
Omar, a vocal advocate for a cease-fire in Gaza, has previously criticized the Biden administration for its stance on Israel, particularly for approving additional aid without Congress’s consent. She accused the administration of facilitating violence against Palestinians by restocking Israel’s military arsenal, challenging its claim of being a neutral peace broker.
In the same conversation, Omar expressed concerns about White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan’s transparency regarding Gaza cease-fire negotiations. She questioned the completeness of the information shared by Sullivan, contrasting it with other reports on the negotiation efforts. Sullivan had mentioned a potential six-week cease-fire, contingent on Hamas releasing certain captives, highlighting the group’s disregard for Palestinian civilian lives. Omar’s stance underscores the complexity of her support for Biden, rooted in broader democratic principles despite significant policy differences.