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 deem insufficiently supportive of Israel. Aipac and other lobby groups have recruited and supported challengers to lawmakers, notably members of the Squad, a group of progressive representatives vocal in their criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Aipac, originally founded to manage the fallout from a 1953 massacre of Palestinians by the Israeli army, has evolved into a significant force in American politics. However, its unwavering support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has led to criticism and accusations of being an “anti-Israel lobby.”
To counter the shifting public opinion on Israel, Aipac launched a super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP), to directly support political campaigns for the first time in its history. The UDP aims to block Democratic candidates critical of Israel, particularly those who have pressed for a ceasefire in Gaza, in an effort to maintain unwavering support for the Jewish state in Congress.
Other pro-Israel groups, such as the Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) and J Street, are also working to influence the election. The UDP has raised over $49 million, with major donors including Republicans seeking to influence Democratic primaries.
The present war in Gaza has further complicated the equation, with rising sympathy for the Palestinians within the Democratic party. Aipac’s financial backing has become a potential liability for some Israel-supporting Democratic candidates, as the conflict has highlighted the need for a nuanced approach to the US-Israel relationship.
