Rep. Mike Levin, one of a handful of vulnerable Democratic House members from California, called for change in Israel's leadership on Thursday.
“I think we need a new leader,” Levin told a small group of reporters, adding that current leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, “are ultimately not leading to a more peaceful outcome in the region.”
Levin is backed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, an influential pro-Israel group that has launched a nationwide campaign to oust elected officials who call for a permanent ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. Levin is also the only vulnerable “frontliner” from California listed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
AIPAC declined to comment on Levine's remarks.
The moderate Democrat represents a district in San Diego and Orange counties. He was elected to a third term in 2022 with 52.6% of the vote. In 2024, he will face Republican Matt Gunderson. Attacked Levin for not previously wholeheartedly supporting Israel.. And the National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Levine for the issue.
Levin's comments come after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel last weekend and as he faces pressure from protesters in his region to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire.
Last March, Levin called for a temporary ceasefire Allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, which he called “essential,” comes at the same time as providing military funding to Israel to defend itself against Hamas. He has supported a ceasefire along with the release of Israeli hostages.
“Israel needs a leader committed to a two-state solution, while Hamas cannot remain in power,” Levin said on Thursday.
More Democrats are starting to move away from their previously staunch support for Israel. In particular, 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 dissociated himself from Schumer's comments, saying they could “discourage” the ability of current Israeli leaders to demand fair elections. “A decision is needed from the Israeli people,” he said.