<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Democratic Michigan Senate nominee Abdul el Sayed did not specify whether Israel or Iran poses a greater threat to the United States during a debate on October 8, 2026. He described the question as a “ridiculous hypothetical” while defending his stance against American involvement in the conflict with Iran.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When pressed by moderator Rick Albin to identify which country he viewed as more dangerous, el Sayed shifted focus to domestic issues, advocating for taxpayer funds to be allocated to education, healthcare, and other local needs.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I want our tax dollars spent here,” he stated.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img alt="Abdul el Sayed." class="wp-image-4760428" height="682" src="https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/AP26281848302274.jpg?w=696" width="1024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate Abdul el Sayed talks during a televised debate with Republican nominee for U.S. Senate Mike Rogers at WOOD-TV, on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, Pool)</figcaption></figure>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The exchange highlighted a politically sensitive issue for el Sayed, who is a vocal critic of Israel, as he navigates a competitive Senate race in Michigan. He accused Israel of influencing the U.S. towards war with Iran and criticized Republican opponent Mike Rogers for supporting military action.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Let’s be honest, Israel has lobbied us to go to war with Iran,” el Sayed remarked. “We have watched as Iran has responded by bombing all kinds of countries in the Middle East and then choking off the world’s energy supply.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He emphasized that the U.S. should avoid conflicts involving either nation.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“I don’t want to be pushed into a war by Israel, and I don’t want to be in a war with Iran,” el Sayed said.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">When asked again which country posed a greater threat, el Sayed reiterated that both have shown the potential to cause harm, stating, “Both of them have proven dangerous in their own way.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">He also noted the implications of the ongoing conflict, including disruptions to global energy supplies.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The debate, which lasted an hour, took place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, shortly after President Donald Trump made personal remarks about el Sayed, incorrectly referring to him as “Mohammed” and labeling him a “RADICAL Extremist, Terrorist Sympathizer.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">El Sayed responded on social media, accusing Trump of using his name and faith to distract voters from the impacts of the president’s policies.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This exchange added complexity to a campaign where el Sayed’s foreign policy views and associations with progressive figures have sparked debate. His primary victory energized the progressive wing of the party but raised concerns about his appeal to more centrist Democrats regarding Israel and national security.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rogers criticized el Sayed for not clearly addressing terrorism, particularly for not issuing a statement to commemorate the third anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“This is why you should get absolutely angry,” Rogers said, accusing el Sayed of failing to acknowledge the severity of the attack, which included acts of sexual violence and the killing of civilians and children.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">El Sayed has faced backlash from some Jewish Democrats regarding his views on Israel and his connection to progressive influencer Hasan Piker, who campaigned with him during the primary. Piker has faced controversy over his comments on Israel and the Middle East. El Sayed has not publicly condemned Piker but has attempted to distance himself from him since winning the Democratic nomination.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rogers, who is running for Senate for the second time, has supported the U.S. campaign against Iran but stated during the debate that it is time to end the war.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Michigan has a significant Arab American population, particularly in the Detroit area, and opposition to U.S. support for Israel’s military actions has created tension within the state’s Democratic coalition.</p>