DNC panel rejects Israel-Gaza resolutions; chair instead calls for task force

Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, withdraws his resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza during a meeting of the Resolutions Committee at a Democratic National Committee meeting Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)

A Democratic National Committee panel did not advance any resolution on Israel’s war in Gaza during its meeting in Minneapolis on Tuesday, reflecting the party’s deep divisions over how forcefully to confront one of the U.S.’s closest allies.

The panel rejected a resolution, brought by a 26-year-old new DNC member, calling for an arms embargo on Israel and a recognition of Palestinian statehood.

The panel unanimously passed a resolution brought by DNC Chair Ken Martin reaffirming the party’s current position that calls for for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas since Oct. 7, 2023, and the unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

Martin withdrew his resolution, however, and promised to form a task force “to continue to have the conversation, to work through this and bring solutions back to our party.”

The move buys Martin and the party more time to deal with one of the most contentious and emotional issues roiling the party. Advancing a status quo resolution risked further alienating young progressive members of the party incensed at the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, yet calling for an arms embargo would surely upset older Democrats who’ve long supported Israel.

“This is a moment that calls for shared dialog. It calls for shared advocacy, and that’s why I’ve decided today, at this moment, listening to the testimony and listening to people in our party, to withdraw my … resolution,” Martin said.

Resolutions passed by the DNC resolutions committee are meant to elevate principles consistent with the party’s platform and are largely symbolic.

Florida DNC member Allison Minnerly told reporters after the meeting she was disappointed Democrats didn’t pass her resolution.

“Overwhelmingly, Democrats want the end of U.S. involvement in this war, particularly they want their elected officials to not be complacent in this crisis. So while it’s important that the conversation started today, the chair has placed a comma on that conversation,” Minnerly said.

Last month, 27 Democratic U.S. Senators — including Minnesota Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith — voted for a resolution to block the sale of American bombs and firearms to Israel. The resolution didn’t pass, but a growing number of Democrats voted in favor of it as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza grows more dire amid widespread hunger and suffering. 

Martin, who was the longest serving chair of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer Labor Party, has struggled to keep the various Democratic factions together in his six months at the helm of the DNC. He pushed out 25-year-old DNC Vice Chair David Hogg, who aimed to bring a new generation of Democrats into office even if it meant contentious primary challenges. Martin is also confronting slowing donations and a dissatisfied voter base eager for a stronger resistance to President Donald Trump.

This story was originally published by Minnesota Reformer.