Democratic divide over Israel on full display as Jewish state clashes with Hamas terrorists

Escalating violence between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas has cast a spotlight on deepening Democratic divisions over the Jewish state. 

The party split played out in full view on social media this week after Hamas launched indiscriminate rocket attacks at Israel, which responded with airstrikes on Hamas targets in Gaza, reportedly killing some civilians. Israel is also dealing with domestic unrest from Arab rioters.  

International observers are concerned about the possibility of "full-scale war."

Meanwhile, the Democratic Party -- which controls the White House and both congressional chambers -- is divided in its support for a key American ally. 

President Biden and the Democratic old guard have voiced support for Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas' rocket attacks. 

Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted Thursday that there are "fundamental differences between a terrorist organization, Hamas, that is indiscriminately raining down rockets -- in fact, targeting civilians -- and Israel's response defending itself, that is targeting the terrorists." Biden similarly said that Israel "has a right to defend itself."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, too, echoed that message. "Israel has the right to defend herself against this assault, which is designed to sow terror and undermine prospects for peace," she said in a statement Tuesday. 

"Hamas’s accelerating violence only risks killing more civilians, including innocent Palestinians," Pelosi continued. 
But the party's ascendant left-wing rejected that approach. 

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., blamed "right-wing extremists in Jerusalem" for the violence. 

"I am extremely concerned by the growing conflict in Israel and Palestine. Once again we are seeing how the irresponsible actions of government-allied right-wing extremists in Jerusalem can escalate quickly into devastating war," Sanders wrote on Twitter Monday.