Foreign policy often impacts U.S. elections, but in 2024, it’s taking center stage as Kamala Harris and Donald Trump court key voting blocs. With growing unrest in Gaza, Harris recently called for a ceasefire, a pivot that may aim to regain support among Arab American voters, who are critical of the Biden administration’s firm stance with Israel. Meanwhile, Trump has worked to appeal to Jewish voters with his pro-Israel policies and promises of Middle East peace.

Arab and Jewish Americans: Two Crucial Voting Blocs

With 3.7 million Arab Americans and 5.8 million Jewish Americans in the U.S., these communities wield significant electoral power, especially in swing states. Traditionally, Arab Americans have leaned Democratic, but recent polls show a shift. Many now favor Trump, feeling that Biden’s policies enable Israeli military action. Trump’s recent visit to Dearborn, Michigan—a hub for Arab Americans—was an opportunity to emphasize his promise to end the war, a message resonating with those disillusioned by Democratic foreign policy.

Conversely, Jewish Americans, who have long supported Democrats, remain largely aligned with Harris. Polls show over 70% of Jewish voters in swing states back Harris, despite Trump’s efforts to position himself as Israel’s strongest ally. This may be due to shared liberal values and concerns over anti-Semitism within Trump’s base, as reports indicate a sharp rise in such incidents in recent years.

High-Stakes Election for Arab and Jewish Voters

In key swing states like Michigan and Pennsylvania, both communities hold substantial influence. Trump’s slim victory in Michigan in 2016 (by 10,000 votes) and his 2020 loss in Pennsylvania (by 80,000 votes) demonstrate the impact small voting blocs can have. This year, Arab American voters could be the deciding factor in states with narrow margins, while Jewish voters remain a critical Democratic support base, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, home to 300,000 Jewish Americans.

With issues like inflation, abortion, and healthcare at the forefront, foreign policy remains an influential factor, especially for Arab and Jewish voters deeply affected by the U.S. stance on the Gaza conflict. How these communities respond could shape the election outcome, underscoring the lasting impact of Biden’s foreign policy on Harris’s campaign.