The Biggest Rift in US-Israel Relations? AIPAC in the Crosshairs

The pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, long considered one of the most influential groups in American politics, faces unprecedented criticism from both left and right. According to a Financial Times report, the organization's support has become a liability, and political rivals use ties to it as a weapon. A notable example: in Michigan's Democratic primaries, progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed attacked Congresswoman Haley Stevens over AIPAC's financial support, which invested about $46 million in the race. The group cites victories: 188 candidates it backed won, and 14 defined as anti-Israel were defeated.

The pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, long considered one of the most influential groups in American politics, faces unprecedented criticism from both left and right. According to a Financial Times report, the organization's support for congressional and Senate candidates has turned from a source of strength into a vulnerability, and political rivals use ties to AIPAC as a central attack tool. A notable example occurred in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, where progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed attacked Congresswoman Haley Stevens, accusing her of receiving extensive financial support from AIPAC, which invested about $46 million in the race. Stevens denied the allegations. Critics on the left argue that the group supports the policies of Israeli governments, especially those of Benjamin Netanyahu, and works against Democratic candidates critical of Israel. Parts of the right, associated with the 'America First' camp, also claim that the war against Iran was influenced by pressure from Israel and AIPAC. Since the establishment of the political action committee in 2022, tens of millions of dollars have been funneled into political races. The group presents data: 188 candidates it backed won, and 14 defined as anti-Israel were defeated. The report concludes that AIPAC has become part of a broader debate about the power of well-funded lobbying groups.