Top Dems tepid on support for Israel amid Hamas attacks, pressure from far left

Top Democrats this week were measured in their support for Israel, even as the longstanding U.S. ally faced a continued barrage of rocket attacks from Hamas, amid pressure from their far-left flank to condemn Israel.

But before the fighting ended, Democratic leaders, including President Biden and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., walked a thin line between backing Israel's right to defend itself and avoiding alienating vocal anti-Israel voices within their own party.  Schumer was asked at a news conference Tuesday whether he believed the Biden administration was doing enough help stop the fighting. Schumer referred to a statement put out by Sens. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., and Todd Young, R-Ind., that called for a cease-fire while recognizing that Israel has a right to defend itself.