Pro-Israel lobby AIPAC ends candidate endorsements as opposition to Israel grows
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), one of the most influential pro-Israel lobbying groups in the United States, will stop publicly endorsing political candidates and making direct contributions to them, Middle East Eye reported, as growing opposition to Israel puts its political influence under increasing scrutiny.
In an email to supporters on Wednesday, Aipac said it would adopt a more flexible political strategy to support Republicans and Democrats who back Israel, shifting towards contributions made directly by individual donors and the use of new political fundraising tools.
“To win the fight for the future of the country and the US-Israel alliance, we must build a more strategic, consequential, and nimble political operation,” the group said in its statement.
Aipac said endorsements, direct political action committee (PAC) contributions and earmarked donations would no longer be part of its approach.
The change comes amid growing criticism of Israel across the US political spectrum, including among some Republicans who have traditionally supported the country and Democrats increasingly distancing themselves from Aipac's financial backing.
Aipac's spending power remains
Despite the announced changes, Aipac's broader political spending operation is expected to continue.
The group operates the United Democracy Project (UDP), a super PAC that can spend unlimited amounts independently to influence US elections, subject to applicable campaign finance rules.
According to Middle East Eye, UDP spent more than $60 million during the 2024 election cycle. Its spending is expected to continue because independent super PAC expenditure is separate from direct contributions to candidates.
Aipac has also used other political committees to channel funds towards election spending, the report said.
Traditional PACs face limits on how much they can contribute directly to individual candidates. Aipac's decision to stop such contributions does not mean it will withdraw from electoral politics.
Instead, the group said it would encourage more direct donations from individual Americans to candidates who support the US-Israel alliance.
“We will focus our time and resources on what is most effective - disciplined, organized giving directly to candidates by individual Americans - and on the ability to adapt quickly in an ever-changing environment,” Aipac said.
Growing backlash against Israel
Aipac's announcement comes amid mounting criticism of Israel over its war in Gaza and Washington's continued support for the country.
The issue has also become increasingly contentious among American conservatives, some of whom have questioned US financial and military support for Israel amid domestic economic pressures and the country's involvement in the conflict with Iran.
Among the prominent conservative critics cited in the report are political commentator Tucker Carlson, far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and former Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
The debate is unfolding ahead of the US midterm elections scheduled for November 3, with the cost of living and foreign policy among the issues shaping political discussions.
Aipac has also faced scrutiny from progressive Democrats over its role in election financing. Projects such as Aipac Tracker have publicised the money candidates receive from pro-Israel donors and political groups, adding to pressure on politicians to explain their financial ties.
However, Waleed Shahid, a former spokesperson for the progressive political group Justice Democrats, argued that rejecting direct Aipac contributions alone would not fully address the influence of its funding network.
As cited by Middle East Eye, Shahid said Aipac directly contributed about $3 million during the current election cycle, compared with approximately $90 million donated by its individual members.
Palestine advocates challenge pro-Israel spending
Some candidates who have advocated Palestinian rights have built political support without backing from pro-Israel lobbying groups.
Among them are New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for the US Senate in Michigan.
Aipac has reportedly spent millions of dollars opposing El-Sayed's candidacy. US Senator Bernie Sanders criticised the group's influence in a post on X on Thursday, linking Aipac's political spending to Washington's policies towards Israel and the war in Iran.
Sanders called on voters to reject Aipac's influence and support El-Sayed's Senate bid.
If elected on November 3, El-Sayed would become the first Muslim senator in US history, according to the report.
The developments highlight the growing debate over the role of pro-Israel lobbying in American elections, as candidates face increasing pressure to explain their positions on Israel, Palestinian rights and US foreign policy.