The war in Gaza is revealing cracks within the Democratic Party‘s progressive wing and reigniting a long-standing debate as members disagree on the best path forward.
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) reportedly left the House Congressional Progressive Caucus, making him the second Democrat to do so over the past few months in response to the war. His departure marks the latest struggle for Democratic leaders to keep the party united amid the underlying tensions between those who staunchly support Israel and those who are adamant about defending Palestinian rights.
Torres has not confirmed publicly whether he has left the caucus, and a spokesperson for the New York Democrat has not responded to a request for comment by the Washington Examiner. However, Torres is no longer listed on the public list of members shared by the CPC. The Washington Examiner contacted the caucus for comment.
His departure follows Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), who left the CPC late last year.
The war in Israel has caused a rift among the Democratic Party, especially as some progressive lawmakers have publicly criticized President Joe Biden by name and accused him of fueling warfare. Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has been among the most vocal opponents, even going so far as to encourage Michigan Democrats to vote “uncommitted” in the key primary state next week.
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Tlaib, along with other members of the progressive caucus, have pushed the Biden administration to call for a ceasefire in Gaza — a call that has split House Democrats. Those tensions were especially put on display when the House censured Tlaib on Nov. 7, 2023, for her pro-Palestinian comments, punishing the Michigan Democrat for “promoting false narratives” about the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and allegedly calling for the “destruction of the state of Israel.”
Other Democrats, such as Torres, have opposed the call for a ceasefire and have instead supported sending more aid to Israel.
