Pro-Israel Groups Fund Political Campaigns in US Elections: Aipac’s Influence and Impact
In the upcoming 2024 election, pro-Israel groups, led by the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), are gearing up to spend tens of millions of dollars against congressional candidates, primarily Democrats, whom they believe are not supportive enough of Israel. Aipac and other lobby groups have been recruiting and supporting challengers to lawmakers and candidates, especially members of the Squad, a group of progressive representatives known for their vocal criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Aipac, originally founded as the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs, has evolved into a major force in American politics, advocating for bipartisan support for Israel in Congress. However, its unwavering backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has led to criticism and accusations of being a “pro-Netanyahu, anti-Israel lobby.”
To counter the shifting public opinion on Israel, Aipac launched a super political action committee, the United Democracy Project (UDP), in 2021 to directly support individual political campaigns for the first time in its history. The move was prompted by concerns over the erosion of bipartisan support for Israel in the US, particularly among younger Democrats critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.
Other pro-Israel groups, such as the Democratic Majority For Israel (DMFI) and J Street, are also working to influence the upcoming election. The UDP has raised over $49 million so far, with major donors including Republicans seeking to influence Democratic primaries.
The present conflict in Gaza has further complicated the equation for pro-Israel groups, as rising sympathy for Palestinians within the Democratic party has made Aipac’s financial backing a potential liability for some Israel-supporting Democratic candidates. The upcoming 2024 election will be a test of the enduring impact of these pro-Israel groups on US politics and their ability to influence candidates and policies related to Israel.
