It used to be Democratic politicians marched in a phalanx behind Israel. Joe Biden did. For years.

Now a new generation of Democrats smile at Hamas. Frown at Israel. And Biden, shifting with the political winds, has taken to straddling the fence.

To be safe Israel has little choice but to eliminate Hamas – but it can’t do that unless it captures Rafah, Hamas stronghold in southern Gaza.

Watching protests – out to stop Israel – on college campuses, afraid he’d lose votes he needs to defeat Trump, Biden told Israel not to attack Rafah – sent aid to both Israel and Gaza.

For 50 years Joe Biden’s been a power in Washington – and that’s how Washington politicians work: Tell both sides, I’m your friend. Send both sides money.

That may help Biden win the election but at the end of the day, for Israel, fence-straddling comes with a price.