El-Sayed faces pointed Israel questions as Michigan Senate race heats up

Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed faced pointed questions about his views on Israel during a CBS 60 Minutes interview, amid controversy over his stance and a tight race against Republican Mike Rogers. The interview, with journalist Ross Douthat, saw El-Sayed criticize U.S. policy toward Israel and accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.

When asked directly if Israel has a right to exist, El-Sayed initially objected to being repeatedly questioned about it. Douthat then asked him if Palestine has a right to exist, to which El-Sayed asked about the right to peace, dignity, and self-determination for both Palestinians and Jewish Israelis. He affirmed that if both peoples agree on two states or one shared state, he supports it.

El-Sayed's response emphasized his commitment to the security of Jews in the United States and his willingness to defend the rights and security of American Jews, despite his disagreements with Rogers. The interview came amid political tensions in Michigan, where El-Sayed and Rogers are competing for the seat vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters.

The race is considered crucial for determining Senate control following the midterm elections. Meanwhile, Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens, who lost the primary to El-Sayed, endorsed Rogers, drawing criticism from Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Despite this, El-Sayed maintained a lead in recent polls, with approximately four percentage points separating him from Rogers.