The pro-Israel AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), as a powerful political force in the United States, has encountered serious challenges following increasing voter dissatisfaction with U.S.-Israel relations and the victory of candidates critical of Israel in the recent midterm elections.
New Challenges for AIPAC
In the past, various political candidates sought AIPAC's support, but now this backing has become an additional burden in many races. Public dissatisfaction with civilian casualties in Gaza and the costs of the war with Iran has reduced positive sentiments towards Israel.
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In the Senate race in Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate who joined protests against military funding for Israel, was able to defeat AIPAC-backed candidates and become the first Muslim senator to enter Congress. The high advertising costs spent by the AIPAC-affiliated group called United Democracy Project not only failed to defeat El-Sayed but also helped strengthen his messages.
Changes in Political Support
James Talarico, another Democratic candidate in Texas, won with a similar message about ending funding for Israeli offensive weapons and distancing from AIPAC. He stated that he has never received money from AIPAC and will not do so in this campaign either.
AIPAC's history goes back to supporting candidates from both political parties, but now this group is recognized as a symbol of Washington's close relations with Israeli governments. Polls from the Chicago Council on Global Affairs show that this year Israel's popularity has reached its lowest point, with an average score of 44 out of 100.
These changes reflect growing dissatisfaction among Democrats with Israel, whose score has dropped from 52 in 2022 to just 30 currently. This troubling trend poses serious challenges for AIPAC.
At the same time, support from the right wing also seems to be declining. On election day, the Trump administration announced that the country would soon end a large annual aid package to Israel, a demand that El-Sayed and others have repeatedly raised.
Although AIPAC faces serious challenges, it appears that this organization still has significant power and resources to continue its activities. Additionally, the emergence of new leftist competitors in this field could lead to further changes.
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