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 donations to these candidates, but following their votes, the lobby removed donation buttons from their profiles and deleted a public thank-you message to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after she supported the aid cut proposal.

This move highlights a growing rift between AIPAC and the Democratic Party, reflecting a decline in bipartisan support for Israel. Currently, 71% of candidates AIPAC funds are Republicans, with only 29% Democrats, signaling a shift in the political landscape. Pelosi, once a staunch Israel supporter, voted last week to cancel all aid to Israel, prompting AIPAC to remove its acknowledgment of her support from its site.

Last week’s congressional vote saw 103 Democrats backing the proposal to end aid to Israel, against 98 opposing it. The issue sparked intense debate within the Democratic Party, though the proposal ultimately failed due to unanimous Republican opposition. AIPAC’s spokesperson, Daryn Sousa, expressed disappointment in elected officials who do not support Israel, emphasizing the lobby’s commitment to principled lawmakers.

This development underscores the contentious status of Israel’s position within U.S. politics and the challenges AIPAC faces maintaining influence amid shifting party dynamics.