Summary
Overview
This episode of The Daily examines AIPAC's evolution from a bipartisan pro-Israel lobbying group to a polarizing force in American politics. Reporter Jonathan Mahler traces how AIPAC's strategic decisions—particularly its creation of a super PAC and aggressive spending in Democratic primaries—have inadvertently contributed to deteriorating U.S.-Israel relations and made support for Israel a divisive litmus test on the left, especially following October 7th and the war in Gaza.
The Changing U.S.-Israel Political Landscape
The U.S.-Israel relationship has entered an unprecedented phase where Democratic politicians are publicly distancing themselves from Israel in ways that would have been political suicide just decades ago. While Republicans remain largely pro-Israel, nearly half of House Democrats recently voted to end military aid to Israel—a vote that would have been unthinkable in previous eras. This shift has made AIPAC and its spending a proxy battleground for both Israel policy and broader debates about money in politics.
- For the first time, politicians are publicly and aggressively putting distance between the U.S. and Israel, especially on the Democratic side
- Nearly 100 House Democrats (almost half) voted to end U.S. military aid to Israel—an unprecedented number
- Support for Israel has become a major litmus test in Democratic primaries from New York to Illinois to Michigan
- AIPAC has become one of the biggest spenders in this election cycle, pouring money into primaries to support or oust candidates based on Israel views
" For the first time, you have a lot of politicians coming out very publicly and in some cases like aggressively putting distance between the U.S. and Israel. I mean, that was for decades unheard of. That was political suicide for a politician. "
" AIPAC is seen as a proxy for Israel. And on top of that, it's also become a stand-in for this larger debate over big money in politics. "
AIPAC's Origins as a Bipartisan Force
Founded shortly after Israel's creation in 1948, AIPAC began with a simple mission to defend the U.S.-Israel relationship, which was easy in the aftermath of the Holocaust. The organization was genuinely bipartisan, reflecting Israel's socialist origins while courting both Republicans and Democrats. AIPAC successfully positioned Israel as America's democratic ally in the Middle East and vital Cold War partner, securing billions in military aid and making Israel the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid.
- AIPAC was founded just a few years after Israel's 1948 creation with a mission to defend the U.S.-Israel relationship
- In its earliest form, AIPAC reflected Israel's socialist, labor Zionist politics but deliberately courted bipartisan support
- The pitch was easy: Israel shares democratic values and serves as a vital strategic Cold War ally against Soviet-aligned Arab nations
- AIPAC's lobbying secured billions in military aid, making Israel the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid
" AIPAC could say and did say that America's interests and Israel's interests are perfectly aligned. Israel is the one real democracy in the Middle East. And as such, we have to make sure we're holding it to that standard. "
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