Democrats’ party platform doesn’t call for arms embargo on Israel

CHICAGO — Democrats unveiled a party platform Sunday night that does not mention an arms embargo on Israel — a demand uncommitted delegates had made of the party as the war in Gaza continues.

The platform centers on the party’s efforts to grow the economy, address inequality and restore reproductive rights after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

The 92-page document has to be voted on by delegates on Monday evening. It was finalized by the party’s platform committee July 16, days before President Joe Biden dropped out of the race. As a result, the platform emphasizes not only the achievements of Biden’s presidential term, but also his plans had he won a second term.

Democratic Party officials expect the platform to pass as written.

During the public drafting phase, the call for an embargo on Israel was the main point of contention among Democrats, but the issue did not get a hearing from the platform committee.

Protests are planned in Chicago during the convention by more than 200 groups rallying in support of Gaza. Organizers expect tens of thousands to attend these events.

In the document, Democrats recommit to their support for Israel in the fight against Hamas, as well as their backing of a two-state solution that “upholds the right of Palestinians to live in freedom and security in a viable state of their own.”

The file reaffirms Democratic support for an “immediate and lasting ceasefire deal” that secures the release of all hostages, including the remaining Americans held in Gaza, and that also addresses the displacement and death of Gazans in the wake of the war.

On economic issues, the platform emphasizes the Biden administration’s efforts to rebuild the economy in the wake of the pandemic and contrasts Biden’s policies against Donald Trump’s. It argues that the former president is “rigging our economy for his Mar-a-Lago friends and billionaire donors, who like him, are only in it for themselves.”

Democrats also vow to continue investing in infrastructure, manufacturing and the supply chain — highlighting the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act during the Biden administration.

Per a release from the Democratic National Committee, the platform “makes a strong statement about the historic work that President Biden and Vice President Harris have accomplished hand-in-hand, and offers a vision for a progressive agenda that we can build on as a nation and as a Party as we head into the next four years.”

On abortion, the party reemphasizes its commitment to restoring abortion rights, vowing to pass legislation to enshrine Roe if Democrats gain control of the House and the Senate. As many key Democrats have asserted for the past two years, the platform warns that, if Trump is returned to the White House, he will “ban abortion nationwide.”