AIPAC Cuts Fundraising for Democrats Supporting Israel Aid Cut in Congress

AIPAC, the influential pro-Israel lobby in the United States, has stopped fundraising through its website for nearly 20 Democratic congressional candidates who voted in favor of ending military and civilian aid to Israel. Until last week, AIPAC encouraged public donations to these candidates but removed donation buttons from their pages over the weekend, signaling a sharp rift between the lobby and the Democratic Party.

Among those affected is former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a long-time pro-Israel advocate who recently voted to cancel all aid to Israel. AIPAC also removed a public message thanking Pelosi for her support of U.S.-Israel relations from its website following her vote. This move highlights the declining bipartisan support for Israel within the U.S. Congress.

According to Jewish Insider, after this change, 71% of the candidates AIPAC currently funds are Republicans, while only 29% are Democrats. Last week’s congressional vote saw 103 Democrats backing the aid cancellation proposal, compared to 98 opposing it. The proposal ultimately failed due to unanimous Republican opposition. AIPAC spokesperson Daryn Souza told Politico that the lobby values elected officials who act on principle and support Israel but is disappointed by those who do not.

This development underscores the growing tensions within the Democratic Party over Israel policy and reflects a broader shift in U.S. political dynamics regarding support for Israel.