Leading pro-Israel lobby in US drops candidate endorsements, direct donations amid growing criticism

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) will stop publicly endorsing political candidates and making direct contributions to their campaigns as the pro-Israel lobbying group adjusts its election strategy amid growing criticism of Israel in the United States (US).

In an email to supporters on Wednesday, AIPAC said that it planned to rely more on individual donations and emerging political fundraising tools to support Republicans and Democrats who back Israel.

“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.

It added that endorsements, direct Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions and earmarking funds for candidates will no longer form part of its approach.

AIPAC said that the change will allow it to expand individual giving and adapt its fundraising methods. However, its separate Super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP), will continue to spend money on elections through independent campaigns.

Unlike traditional PACs, which face limits on direct contributions to candidates, Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts independently of candidates’ campaigns. The UDP spent more than $60 million during the 2024 election cycle, according to the source report.

The shift comes as criticism of Israel grows across the US electorate, including among Republicans who have traditionally supported the country. The issue has gained prominence ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with rising living costs also dominating campaign discussions.

Republican figures including broadcaster Tucker Carlson, far-right commentator Nick Fuentes and former congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene have emerged as major critics of Israel. Meanwhile, Democratic politicians have increasingly distanced themselves from AIPAC, despite continuing to support Israel.

The debate has also drawn attention to the money candidates receive from pro-Israel donors. Waleed Shahid, a former spokesperson for the progressive PAC Justice Democrats, said on X on Wednesday that rejecting AIPAC money as a political slogan could lose significance because the group directly contributed about $3 million during the current election cycle, compared with $90 million donated by individual members.