How the Hamas attack on Israel shows where California Senate candidates ‘really begin to divide’

The three leading candidates for California’s Senate seat have presented voters with sharply contrasting styles. On substance, however, their differences have tended to be more nuance than schism.

What about their their history with Israel? Are Reps. Adam Schiff, Katie Porter and Barbara Lee united today in how Israel should proceed after the horrific Hamas attacks?

There are differences, but as usual, they can be tough to find.

“On so many issues, the three top candidates are almost indistinguishable,” said Sara Sadhwani, a professor of American politics at Pomona College.

“But this might be one area where they really begin to divide.”

Schiff, D-Burbank, has been full-throated in his support for Israel since Hamas invaded the country Saturday.

Porter, D-Irvine, has a strong record of support for Israel while also expressing concern for Palestinian victims.

Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, says she has always backed Israel against terrorist attacks, and has called for a ceasefire.

Like Schiff and Porter, she firmly criticized Hamas’ action. “I unequivocally condemn the ongoing acts of brutal terrorism by Hamas. Israel has a right to defend itself against terrorist attacks,” Lee told The Bee.

The three, along with other candidates, are vying for the Senate seat held for 31 years by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who died last month and was regarded as a reliable friend of Israel.

At their debate on Sunday, Schiff had arguably the most direct, succinct response to the Hamas invasion. He declared his “unequivocal support for the security and the right for Israel to defend itself.”

Porter had the same idea, but went further.

“I stand with Israel at this time and I condemn the loss of lives both of Palestinians and of Israelis who are being victims of this terror,” she said.

“There are lost lives in Gaza, there are lost lives in Israel and it’s because the United States has allowed terrorism to flourish and has refused to take a strong enough stand against Iran, who is backing Hamas and Hezbollah.”

Schiff’s campaign said Porter was sounding like members of the House’s Squad, a group of far-left lawmakers who have been sympathetic to Palestinian interests.

“There is no ‘both sides’ to this attack. Hamas is a terrorist group mass murdering hundreds of innocent Israelis and taking women and children hostage,” Schiff said in a statement. The campaign noted that on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre had the same view, telling reporters, “There are not two sides here.”

But Porter’s campaign said she has a long history of backing Israel.

She visited the country along with 14 other House members on a trip sponsored by J Street, a pro-Israel organization that supports a democratic Palestinian state and has been critical of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She met with top officials, including Netanyahu, in late February and March.

After learning of the Hamas invasion Saturday, Porter tweeted “I stand with the Israeli people, condemn this violence, and reaffirm Israel’s right to defend itself.”

She reiterated that stand Sunday, tweeting “Israel has every right to defend itself against Hamas.”

How they voted

Porter and Schiff have voted the same way on key Israel-related legislation this year. Lee’s record is somewhat different.

In May, Porter and Schiff supported creation of a special envoy for the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab countries.

The House passed the measure overwhelmingly, while Lee voted no.

Schiff voted yes in June on a measure calling for expansion of the Abraham Accords. Porter was not present but inserted language into the Congressional Record saying she would have voted yes. The bill passed easily. Lee did not vote..

In July, Lee, Porter and Schiff all voted for a resolution expressing support for Israel and condemning antisemitism after Rep. Primal Jayapal, D-Washington, called Israel a “racist state.” The nonbinding resolution passed 418 to 9. All nine no votes were from Democrats, though Jayapal apologized and supported the measure.

Lee, Porter and Schiff all backed a 2021 bill to provide $1 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. Israel reportedly used the system to destroy most of the rockets Hamas launched at that time.

In 2019, Schiff and Porter joined 396 other House members to condemn the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which promotes action against Israel because of its treatment of Palestinians. Lee was one of 17 House members to oppose the proposal.

“Not every one of these Senate candidates has valued Palestinian lives,” said Fatima Iqbal-Zubair, chair of the California Democrats Progressive Caucus, who has endorsed Lee’s campaign.

“We see moderate Democrats, and some progressive Democrats, not being bold, and ignoring Palestinian lives lost,” she said. “We’ve seen Barbara Lee’s records, and if you have someone who’s actually for the people, and not special interests, they’re going to speak to human rights being violated no matter where they are.”

At the Sunday debate, Lee explained she has “always stood for Israel not having to deal with terrorist attacks and have condemned over and over and over again terrorist attacks against Israel just as I have called for a ceasefire…”

Lee is the top Democrat on the House appropriations subcommittee on state and foreign operations, which has a powerful say in spending.

Tuesday, she said she was “heartbroken by the senseless loss of life, and am continuing to pray for the victims, their loved ones, and the Israeli and Palestinian civilians impacted..”

She said she would be working with the Biden administration “to address the hostage crisis and prevent the cycle of violence from escalating. In the coming days and weeks, we must remain committed to long-term security and a just and lasting peace in the region.”