Representative Mike Levin – one of the few vulnerable members of the California Democratic House – called for a change in Israeli leadership on Thursday.
“It seems to me that new leaders are needed,” Levin told a small group of reporters, adding that he thinks current leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are not “ultimately leading to a more peaceful outcome.” in the region.
Levin is endorsed by the American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee, an influential pro-Israel group that has launched nationwide campaigns to recall elected officials who call for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Levin is also the only vulnerable “frontliner” listed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in California.
AIPAC declined to comment on Levin’s remarks.
The moderate Democrat represents a district in San Diego and Orange counties. He won the election for a third term in 2022 with 52.6% of the vote. In 2024, he will face Republican Matt Gunderson, who already previously attacked Levin for not supporting Israel wholeheartedly. And the National Republican Congressional Committee Damn Levin about the subject.
Levin’s comments came after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel over the weekend – and as he faces pressure from protesters in your district call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
In March, Levin called for a temporary ceasefire allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, which he called “imperative,” along with providing military funds to Israel to defend itself against Hamas. He supported a ceasefire in conjunction with the release of Israeli hostages.
“We need a leader in Israel who is committed to a two-state solution,” Levin said Thursday. “On the other hand, Hamas cannot remain in power.”
More Democrats began to move away from their previous staunch support for Israel. Most notably, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer faced backlash after criticizing Netanyahu’s handling of the war in Gaza and calling for new elections to replace the prime minister.
But Levin separated himself from Schumer’s remarks, which he said could “discourage” the ability of current Israeli leaders to call for fair elections. “This must be a decision for the Israeli people,” he said.
This story originally appeared on Politico.com read the full story
