Democrats are engaged in intense discussions this week regarding the impact of pro-Israel lobbying on American politics and the US ally’s military operations in the Middle East. These debates are unfolding at a pivotal strategy meeting ahead of the November midterm elections.
During the three-day Democratic National Committee (DNC) conference held in New Orleans on Thursday, participants began considering several resolutions. These included recognizing a Palestinian state, limiting military assistance to Israel, and condemning the increasing influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Although the resolutions committee swiftly dismissed the proposal targeting AIPAC, the debate underscored a deep divide between party leaders and progressive members frustrated by Israel’s bombing campaign in Gaza and its US-supported conflict with Iran.
In a significant development, Democrats are reevaluating their position on Israel, especially after former President Joe Biden’s Gaza policy was perceived to have negatively affected Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential prospects. AIPAC’s financial involvement in congressional races has drawn scrutiny, notably its reported $22 million expenditure in Illinois this year during Democratic primaries to select candidates for the upcoming midterms.
While the anti-AIPAC resolution’s failure was anticipated, particularly as the committee approved a broader measure targeting dark money groups without singling out any specific organization, Democratic sentiment toward Israel is shifting. Israel, a nation of 10 million people with approximately three-quarters identifying as Jewish, is viewed unfavorably by 80 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents, a recent Pew Research survey. This marks a rise from 69 percent last year and 53 percent in 2022. An NBC poll conducted at the onset of the Iran conflict showed negative views at 57 percent, a 22-point increase since the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The anti-AIPAC resolution criticized the organization’s “undue influence” and its substantial spending in primary elections. Traditionally bipartisan and aiming to secure a pro-Israel majority in Congress, AIPAC experienced mixed results in Illinois, with two of its four endorsed candidates winning their primaries.
Rejecting AIPAC funding has become a symbol of ideological purity in some Democratic areas. Prominent figures such as Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, a former presidential candidate, have pledged to refuse AIPAC contributions. Other notable Democrats who have vowed to avoid AIPAC money include governors Gavin Newsom of California, Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania, and Andy Beshear of Kentucky—all considered potential future presidential contenders. Although AIPAC only finances federal races, these politicians’ stances reflect a broader trend.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a billionaire and rising Democratic star with White House ambitions, revealed that he distanced himself from AIPAC around 2015, believing the group had shifted toward the political right. He described it as being significantly influenced by the MAGA movement associated with former President Donald Trump.
Following the 2024 election, party officials concluded that Democratic support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza had cost the party votes, though DNC Chair Ken Martin prevented the release of this report. Meanwhile, separate proposals addressing conditions on military aid to Israel and the recognition of a Palestinian state were forwarded to the DNC’s Middle East Working Group for further consideration.
Pro-Palestinian organizations, including the Institute for Middle East Understanding (IMEU), advocated for backing the arms-related resolutions, arguing that most Democratic voters oppose US weapons shipments to Israel. IMEU Policy Project Executive Director Margaret DeReus criticized Democrats who opposed the anti-AIPAC resolution, accusing them of being “asleep at the wheel.” She highlighted that in 2024, AIPAC was the largest source of Republican funding within Democratic politics, with mega-donors like Miriam Adelson and Paul Singer heavily invested in ensuring Republican victories in November.
The DNC’s Resolutions Committee is currently reviewing 32 measures ahead of a final vote by the full committee scheduled for Friday.
