Rep. Cohen discusses AOC’s Israel criticism on NewsNation
- Rep. Steve Cohen responded to AOC's criticism of Israel's strikes against Hezbollah during a NewsNation broadcast.
- He advised her to be cautious and understand the complexities of the situation, noting that Hamas initiated the conflict.
- Cohen concluded that Israel's military actions are a necessary defense against ongoing threats from Hezbollah.
On a recent episode of NewsNation's 'Cuomo,' Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN) addressed Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (D-NY) criticism of Israel's military actions against Hezbollah. Cohen emphasized that Ocasio-Cortez should be cautious in her responses to complex international issues, suggesting that her supporters may not fully grasp the situation. He pointed out that the conflict was initiated by Hamas on October 7, with Hezbollah's involvement continuing the hostilities. Cohen defended Israel's right to self-defense, stating that the nation is responding to ongoing threats. He highlighted that a significant majority of Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris, support Israel's actions, indicating a broader consensus within the party regarding the conflict. Cohen's remarks reflect a tension within the Democratic Party, as some members, like Ocasio-Cortez, advocate for a more critical stance on Israel, while others maintain strong support for its military responses. This division may influence future discussions on U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly as the 2024 presidential election approaches, where candidates will need to navigate these differing perspectives on Israel and its regional adversaries.