Israel conflict may affect the US election

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) -- The deadly conflict in the Middle East could have an outsized impact on the upcoming election and the presidential candidates have different approaches to the issue. Israel's war with Hamas is making foreign policy increasingly important to people in the United States. 

Former president Donald Trump has been making an appeal to Jewish voters by promising a Trump administration would be a staunch ally to Israel and would support its efforts to eliminate Hamas. 

Former Congressman Lee Zeldin says he believes that's resonating. 

"More Jewish voters than ever before should be voting for the Republican candidate," Zeldin said. "There are a lot of Jewish voters who are talking about these issues related to what might feel like thousands of miles away from home, but really couldn't possibly hit any closer to home."

He argues that Trump has a history of supporting Israel. 

"President Trump is ready, he's done it before, he has a proven record," Zeldin said. 

Vice President Kamala Harris is taking a more nuanced approach to the issue. She says the U.S. should support Israel's efforts to defend itself, but is also calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the suffering in Gaza. 

Edward Ahmed Mitchell with political advocacy group "Council on American-Islamic Relations Action" says the VP has shown empathy for the Palestinian people though he argues she needs to go further by making a commitment that the U.S. will stop providing weapons and war funding to Israel. 

"Death and destruction in Gaza is causing immense concern in our country and many people are planning to vote based on that crisis in particular," Mitchell said. "Hope is not a political strategy, so until we hear something concrete from her we're not just going to assume the best."

He warns this issue is hurting the Harris campaign among Arab voters, Muslim voters, and young voters specifically. 

"They could lose some key swing states because of people not turning out to vote for them over this issue," Mitchell said. 

Although they prefer Harris's policy over Trump's, he says that's still not enough to earn the support of many people. 

"It's just a matter of principle, they just draw the line at genocide. They just say look we can not vote for candidates who are going to fund war crimes," Mitchell said.