Media Fabricates GOP Division on Israel: Jonathan Tobin Debunks the Myth

Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, August 14th 2025 at 16:49 GMT by Cleveland Jewish News
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It's the break they've been waiting for. Liberal news publications like Axios, Politico, The Economist and Time magazine, among others, all more or less ran articles with the same headline

Extensive Summary of "Republican Schism on Israel: Mainstream Media Myth" by Jonathan Tobin

In this opinion piece, Jonathan Tobin delves into what he portrays as a fabricated narrative pushed by mainstream media outlets regarding an alleged deep division within the Republican Party over support for Israel. Tobin argues that this supposed "schism" is largely a myth, designed to distract from the real and growing divisions on Israel within the Democratic Party. He contends that while there are isolated voices of dissent on the Republican side, the party as a whole remains overwhelmingly unified in its pro-Israel stance, contrasting sharply with the internal conflicts plaguing Democrats.

Tobin begins by critiquing recent media coverage, particularly from outlets like The New York Times and CNN, which have highlighted comments from figures such as Tucker Carlson and Vivek Ramaswamy to suggest a burgeoning anti-Israel faction within the GOP. For instance, he references Carlson's podcast interview with a controversial Palestinian Christian pastor who made inflammatory remarks about Judaism, which some interpreted as evidence of rising isolationism or even antisemitism in conservative circles. Tobin dismisses this as overblown, pointing out that Carlson, while influential, does not represent the Republican mainstream. Similarly, he addresses Ramaswamy's suggestion during a GOP presidential debate that U.S. aid to Israel should be phased out after 2028, framing it as a fringe opinion rather than a party-wide shift. Tobin emphasizes that such views are not indicative of a broader trend, especially when compared to the party's historical and current commitments.

To bolster his argument, Tobin draws on polling data and political actions that demonstrate Republican solidarity with Israel. He notes that in the wake of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Republican leaders across the board—from congressional figures to presidential candidates—rallied in support of Israel. This includes strong endorsements from former President Donald Trump, who, despite his "America First" rhetoric, implemented some of the most pro-Israel policies in recent history, such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, and brokering the Abraham Accords. Tobin argues that Trump's approach, often mischaracterized as isolationist, actually strengthened U.S.-Israel ties by prioritizing strategic alliances over endless foreign entanglements. He contrasts this with President Joe Biden's administration, which he accuses of wavering on Israel, particularly in response to pressure from the Democratic left.

A key element of Tobin's thesis is the comparison between the two parties. He asserts that the real schism exists among Democrats, where a vocal progressive wing—including members of the "Squad" like Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar—has openly criticized Israel and pushed for policies like conditioning aid or supporting boycotts. This faction, Tobin claims, has gained traction, influencing party platforms and even leading to hesitancy in Biden's support for Israel's military actions against Hamas in Gaza. He cites examples such as Democratic protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's congressional addresses and the growing influence of anti-Zionist sentiments in liberal academia and activism. In contrast, Republicans have largely purged or marginalized any anti-Israel elements, with the party's base viewing strong support for Israel as a core value aligned with conservative principles like national security, religious freedom, and opposition to terrorism.

Tobin further explores the motivations behind the media's portrayal of a GOP divide. He suggests it's a deliberate strategy to create a false equivalence, allowing Democrats to downplay their own internal fractures. By amplifying rare Republican criticisms of Israel—such as those from isolationist figures like Senator Rand Paul or certain libertarian voices—Tobin argues that the media manufactures a narrative of bipartisanship in division, when in reality, the GOP's pro-Israel consensus is stronger than ever. He points to the 2024 Republican National Convention platform, which reaffirmed unwavering support for Israel, including commitments to combat antisemitism and ensure Israel's qualitative military edge. This, he says, stands in stark opposition to the Democratic platform's more nuanced language, which includes calls for Palestinian statehood and critiques of Israeli settlements.

Moreover, Tobin addresses the role of evangelical Christians within the Republican base, who form a significant pro-Israel constituency due to biblical and eschatological beliefs. He argues that this demographic, far from waning, continues to drive GOP policy, countering any isolationist impulses. He also touches on generational shifts, acknowledging that younger Republicans might be less reflexively pro-Israel than their elders, influenced by social media and globalist perspectives. However, he maintains that this is not a schism but a minor evolution, easily overshadowed by the party's overall unity, especially in light of threats from Iran and its proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis.

In wrapping up his piece, Tobin warns that perpetuating the myth of a Republican schism could have dangerous consequences, potentially emboldening anti-Israel forces and weakening bipartisan support for the Jewish state at a critical time. He calls for a more honest media discourse that recognizes the GOP's steadfast alliance with Israel, urging readers to look beyond sensational headlines to the substantive policy records. Ultimately, Tobin positions the Republican Party as Israel's most reliable partner in American politics, while portraying Democratic divisions as the true threat to the U.S.-Israel relationship. This analysis, he implies, is essential for understanding the broader geopolitical landscape, where Israel's security is intertwined with American interests.

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Read the Full Cleveland Jewish News Article at:
[ https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/columnists/jonathan_tobin/republican-schism-on-israel-mainstream-media-myth/article_91370eaf-cd2a-4c7a-9b24-8275a8b5a3fb.html ]

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Media Fabricates GOP Division on Israel: Jonathan Tobin Debunks the Myth

Extensive Summary of "Republican Schism on Israel: Mainstream Media Myth" by Jonathan Tobin