The dramatic shift of the pro-Israel lobby in the US
AIPAC announced it will cease official endorsements of candidates and stop direct donations from its PAC, amid political losses and pressure from pro-Palestinian activists. The move aims to neutralize public criticism over the cost of the lobby's support.
The pro-Israel lobby AIPAC announced Wednesday a dramatic shift in its political strategy: ending official endorsements of congressional candidates and halting direct donations from its PAC. The decision, reached after a months-long strategic review, takes effect immediately. The backdrop includes a series of losses in key races and growing pressure from pro-Palestinian activists. The stated goal is to neutralize public criticism over the price tag of the lobby's support, which has become a weapon for progressives. The independent super-PAC, United Democracy Project, will continue to operate. In a management letter, it was stated that "official endorsements, direct donations, and earmarking contributions will no longer be part of our approach." An AIPAC spokesperson noted that members donated over $90 million to candidates this cycle, compared to about $3 million from the PAC. The change follows a freeze on fundraising for 18 Democratic lawmakers who voted to cut aid to Israel.