The influential US Israel lobby group AIPAC has halted financial support for Democratic lawmakers who voted to reduce military aid to Israel. According to Politico, donation buttons for at least 12 Democratic members were removed from AIPAC's donation platform.
The decision came after 103 Democratic lawmakers supported an amendment that would have reduced the annual $3.3 billion military aid Washington provides to Israel. Although the amendment was rejected, it revealed growing opposition within the Democratic Party to unconditional support for Israel.
Among those whose donations were suspended are House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, the second-ranking Democrat in the House, party leadership member Joe Neguse, and Pat Ryan, who had previously declared he rejected AIPAC support. AIPAC spokesperson Deren Souza said members appreciate representatives who "stick to principles" and view those who do not with disappointment.
According to an archived version of the website, the donation buttons were active until July 6. The same archive also showed that thank-you messages posted for former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Democratic Representative Julia Brownley for their support of US-Israel relations had been removed.
Deep Divisions in the Democratic Party
AIPAC's move reflects the growing divide within the Democratic Party over Israel policies. The vote laid bare deep divisions in the party, especially at a time when criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the war in Gaza has intensified.
According to Politico, AIPAC's decision signals a shift in the organization's relationship with Democrats following primary victories by progressive candidates who targeted rivals accepting AIPAC funds. The group is trying to maintain its influence at a time when a growing number of Democrats are questioning the traditional bipartisan support for Israel.
Pat Ryan said in a post on X, "Frankly, I don't want the support of groups like AIPAC. Extreme positions that refuse to confront Netanyahu's increasingly dangerous regime have no place in American politics."
