Protesters in favor of Israel and Palestine stand waving their flags in the street. Credit: Ted Eytan
In today’s political landscape, particularly in the United States, the terms "Pro-Palestinian and "Pro-Israel" have become increasingly common. These labels describe individuals’ or groups’ stances on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which may oversimplify nuanced and multifaceted positions.
What does it mean to be Pro-Palestinian?
“Pro-Palestinian” refers to a stance that supports Palestinian rights and self-determination, and includes criticism of Israeli policies in the West Bank and Gaza.
Those who identify as Pro-Palestinian focus on several key issues.
They advocate for the creation of an independent Palestinian state
The human rights of the Palestinians are another central concern, with many Pro-Palestinian supporters opposing restrictions on Palestinian movement and access to resources.
Criticism of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and military actions in Palestinian territories.
Many also support the right of return for Palestinian refugees displaced during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and subsequent conflicts.
Being Pro-Palestinian and the Two-State Solution
There is, however, significant variance within the Pro-Palestinian movement regarding the movement’s objectives and methods toward a two-state solution.
Many support a one-state solution, ranging from proposing a bi-national state with equal rights for both Palestinians and Israelis to more extreme positions calling for a single Palestinian state “from the river to the sea,” essentially advocating for the ethnic cleansing of Jews in the name of “decolonization.”
Concerning the methods by which a free Palestine is to be gained, pro-Palestinians are also divided, with some supporting non-violent protests and diplomacy. Others endorse “resistance,” including terrorism.
A common form of pro-Palestinian activism is participation in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to pressure Israel economically to change its policies toward Palestinians.
Other pro-Palestinian activities include fundraising for Palestinian causes, advocating for increased international aid to alleviate humanitarian crises in Gaza and the West Bank, and organizing protests to draw attention to perceived injustices faced by Palestinians.
Anti-Israel refers to hostilities toward Israel and, in extreme cases, its right to exist. Anti-Zionist denotes opposition to Zionism, the movement supporting a Jewish homeland in the region of Palestine. Antisemitism, on the other hand, refers to prejudice against Jews as a religious, ethnic, or racial group.
What does it mean to be Pro-Israel?
“Pro-Israel” denotes support for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state, advocacy for its security, and the fostering of strong U.S.-Israel relations.
They emphasize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state within secure borders.
Israel’s security needs are a primary concern, including its right to self-defense against threats from hostile neighbors and terrorist organizations.
Many pro-Israel advocates push for strong US-Israel relations, including military aid and strategic cooperation.
They often work to defend Israel’s legitimacy in international forums and oppose what they perceive as unfair criticism or attempts to delegitimize the state.
They promote strong diplomatic ties between Israel and other countries, defending Israel’s actions in international forums, and supporting legislation against the BDS movement.
Many pro-Israel organizations focus on education and advocacy, working to counter biased media coverage and promote a balanced image of Israel.
Being pro-Israel does not inherently mean being anti-Palestinian or supporting all actions of the Israeli government. Many pro-Israel advocates stress the need for peace and coexistence with Palestinians, though they may disagree on the best way to achieve this.
Can you be ‘Pro-Israel’ and ‘Pro-Palestinian’ at the same time?
The labels "Pro-Palestinian" and "Pro-Israel" fail to capture the complex reality of people’s views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many individuals and groups hold opinions that don't fit neatly into either category, combining elements from both sides and acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the situation. For instance, some might advocate for Palestinian rights and statehood while condemning violence against Israeli civilians.
Pro-Palestinian and Pro-Israel in US Politics
In light of the ongoing conflict in the region, the Israel-Palestine conflict has become a central issue in US elections. Candidates’ positions are often scrutinized, with these labels influencing campaign strategies and voter perceptions.
Democrats and the Republicans have traditionally taken a pro-Israel stance. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, the US electorate is more supportive of Israel than the Palestinians. More recently, Democrats, particularly those belonging to the progressive wing of the party, have been taking more pro-Palestinian positions. There are not many US politicians who identify as pro-Palestinian, but some notable examples include:
Senator Bernie Sanders in 2020 said “I am pro-Israel. I am pro-Palestinian.”
Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the first Palestinian American woman to serve in Congress, has been very vocal in her condemnation of Israel.
Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN) has criticized Israel’s actions as well.
As for the presidential candidates, former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have taken a stance on the issue.
Trump said in an event marking the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre, “I will not allow the Jewish state to be threatened with destruction, I will not allow another holocaust of the Jewish people. I will not allow a Jihad to be waged on America or our allies, and I will support Israel’s right to win its war on terror, and it has to win it fast.”
Kamala Harris said in a statement marking the anniversary, “I will always ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists like Hamas. My commitment to the security of Israel is unwavering.” But unlike Trump, Harris, in the same statement, also expressed pro-Palestinian sentiments, saying “I will always fight for the Palestinian people to be able to realize their right to dignity, freedom, security, and self-determination.”
Elon Gilad is an Israeli author, journalist, and linguist. His work focuses on uncovering the historical roots of contemporary issues, particularly in current affairs, Jewish history, and the Hebrew language. Gilad is the author of "The Secret History of Judaism." His analytical pieces draw on his diverse background to provide unique insights into today's complex issues, explaining current situations through the lens of historical development.