In a searing interview on Breaking Points, hosts Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti grilled Democratic Senator Alyssa Slotkin of Michigan on a range of hot-button topics—from Epstein conspiracy theories to Democratic Party leadership. But it was the exchange over Zohran Mamdani’s campaign victory and Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza that quickly became the most charged—and most revealing—segment of the interview.
Slotkin, a former CIA analyst and freshman senator, faced intense questioning about her voting record, support for military aid to Israel, and what critics call a failure to respond decisively to what human rights groups have labeled a genocide.
Pressed on War Crimes and U.S. Aid
Ball opened the segment with a pointed observation:
“I’m just being really real with you. I don’t really hear what you say if you are still supporting a genocide in Gaza.”
The hosts then walked Slotkin through a series of claims and facts: reports from Haaretz on Israeli plans to forcibly relocate Gazans, statements from ministers like Ben Gvir and Smotrich, and statements from organizations like B’Tselem, Amnesty International, and even Marjorie Taylor Greene—who has labeled Israel’s actions a genocide.
Slotkin pushed back:
“Forced starvation is a crime against humanity. The occupying power has a responsibility to get aid into the war zone. Period.”
However, she resisted using the word “genocide,” stating:
“I don’t know that I’d use that term… do I think it’s ethnic cleansing, which is what I think of in genocide? I don’t know if it meets that definition.”
When compared to continued military support for Israel to aiding Nazi Germany, Slotkin pushed back firmly:
“There is a difference between a weapon to protect a country from incoming missiles versus offensive weapons… Defensive aid and offensive aid are different things.”
Still, she opened the door to further scrutiny:
“That certainly to me would be a place to look,” she said, when asked if she would support ending offensive weapons sales to Israel.
Slotkin’s Humanitarian Focus: “Let’s Get Baby Formula In”
Despite defending parts of her record, Slotkin expressed visible emotion and frustration about the suffering of civilians in Gaza. She revealed she had been working with Jewish and Muslim faith leaders in Michigan on an emergency proposal to deliver baby formula and nutritional supplements.
“There’s not a moment that goes by that this isn’t something I’m working on. If we can’t get other aid in, at least get baby formula in. No one’s trying to eat baby formula other than a baby.”
Her response highlighted a pragmatic approach focused on immediate relief, while avoiding full alignment with more progressive calls to halt all aid.
But critics argue this isn’t enough. Ball pointed out the political cost of supporting military aid packages that have directly contributed to the destruction of refugee camps and the deaths of children:
“When kids have been sniped in the head, tents firebombed, people set on fire… I mean, does it eat you up? Do you regret any of your votes?”
Mandani’s Victory and the Israel Litmus Test
Earlier in the interview, the conversation turned to the recent Democratic primary victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York City—a democratic socialist who was attacked heavily over his position on Israel and Palestine. Ball noted that Mandani’s refusal to take a hardline pro-Israel stance and his unwillingness to say “yes” to visiting Israel became the most viral moment of the race.
“He didn’t win in spite of his position. He won in part because of it—including a majority of Jewish voters,” Ball said.
Slotkin responded with skepticism:
“I’m never going to say that what happens in New York City represents all of America… I would never pretend to totally understand New York City politics.”
Yet she acknowledged the implications:
“People are still focused on the cost of living and looking for a new generation of leadership… I have disagreements with what I’ve heard Mr. Mandani propose, but we need to have those debates like adults.”
Asked whether party leaders like Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries should endorse Mamdani, she demurred, repeating a common refrain:
“I don’t get involved in primaries.”
Slotkin’s Record Under Scrutiny
Throughout the interview, the hosts highlighted Slotkin’s past votes:
- Voting to sanction the ICC for pursuing charges against Benjamin Netanyahu
- Voting for a definition of antisemitism that critics say conflates anti-Zionism with antisemitism
- Accepting support from AIPAC members in 2018 (which she clarified she no longer does)
Slotkin defended her independence:
“I have not been endorsed by AIPAC. I was the first Jew elected to the Senate who was not endorsed by any Jewish group—AIPAC or J Street.”
When asked whether AIPAC should register as a foreign lobby, she replied:
“I don’t know the answer to that. I’d have to look at the definition.”
A Party Divided on Foreign Policy and Leadership
The interview encapsulates a broader generational and ideological split within the Democratic Party. Progressive voices are growing louder in demanding accountability over Israel’s actions, especially among younger voters and communities of color.
Slotkin’s appearance on Breaking Points—a rare move for a sitting senator—signaled her awareness of this shift. As she put it:
“People have gone to their corners… I never win my precinct, but I live among Trump voters. We need to find a way to disagree without being bitter enemies.”
Still, the conversation ended on a tense note. Ball, near tears, invoked the imagery of starving babies and incinerated tents:
“I think about those moms who can’t feed their babies. Those babies are starving to death… Does it eat you up?”
Slotkin didn’t flinch:
“That’s how I spend my time. My community is raising money, trying to send formula. That’s the most effective thing I can do today.”
What Comes Next?
The political fallout from the interview is still unfolding, but one thing is clear: the Israel-Gaza debate is no longer a fringe issue within Democratic politics. With elections on the horizon, Democrats like Slotkin are being forced to confront a new reality—one where party loyalty is no longer a shield against moral scrutiny from the left.
As pressure mounts from activists, constituents, and international watchdogs, the question remains: Will calls for accountability lead to a shift in U.S. policy—or simply more humanitarian band-aids?
