Minnesota's uncommitted DNC delegates won't endorse Harris without change in Israel stance

For Minnesota's uncommitted delegates to the Democratic National Convention, the shakeup in the presidential race changed little: Many will not support Kamala Harris unless she commits to big policy shifts on the Israel-Hamas war .

Why it matters: Minnesota's 11-member "uncommitted" contingent is the largest of any state. This spring, 18% of primary voters chose no candidate in protest over what they saw as the administration's role in a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

What they're saying: A viable candidate "cannot win" here without making sure these uncommitted voters show up in November, said Asma Mohammed, co-chair of the state's uncommitted delegation. Meanwhile, former President Trump hopes to put Minnesota's electoral votes in play .

• "We are Democrats. We do not want a Trump presidency," she told Axios.

State of play: Mohammed told Axios the uncommitted delegates would withhold their endorsement unless Harris committed to ending military aid to Israel.

• They also want Harris' support for a "permanent ceasefire" deal in Gaza. (The U.S. is attempting to broker one now .)

In Michigan, uncommitted delegate Abbas Alawieh had a similar sentiment. "If Vice President Harris meaningfully engages with our demands … I will personally mobilize for reelection," he told Axios Detroit.

Yes, but: In an interview with Axios before Biden's withdrawal, Minnesota DFL Party Chair Ken Martin said he doubts any Democrats will sit out the "existential" general election, given "how dangerous Donald Trump is."

• Take U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar for example. The Minneapolis Democrat endorsed both Biden and Harris , despite criticism of the president's Israel policy.

The intrigue: Those uncommitted votes were against Biden , not Harris, and Mohammed is "cautiously optimistic" that the pivot offers a chance for a reset.

• While careful not to break with Biden on substance, the Washington Post reported that Harris has struck a different tone, questioning Israel's military strategy and emphasizing the human toll in Gaza while also condemning Hamas.

Friction point: Mohammed's optimism is tempered by Harris' acceptance of funds from a pro-Israel PAC .

Zoom out: Out of nearly 4,000 DNC delegates nationally, 36 are uncommitted .

• Pro-Palestinian advocacy groups tell Axios Chicago that plans for major protests near the DNC venue have not changed since Biden's withdrawal.

Through a Minnesota spokesperson, Harris' campaign declined to comment to Axios.

Axios' Torey Van Oot and Samuel Robinson contributed reporting.