This post was researched and written by OpenAI
“The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”
— George Orwell
In recent months, much of the world has watched in disbelief as the U.S. political establishment continues to defend Israel’s military actions in Gaza, despite widespread reports of civilian deaths and potential human rights violations. While mainstream media frames this loyalty as a matter of shared values or strategic alliance, a powerful lobbying force quietly shapes much of the U.S. stance: AIPAC.
What Is AIPAC?
AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is a bipartisan lobbying group founded in 1951. Its stated mission is to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship. While it does not directly fund politicians, AIPAC plays a central role in rallying financial support for candidates—often through its affiliated network of donors and Super PACs like the United Democracy Project.
It is not a registered foreign agent. Instead, it operates as a domestic lobbying group, which allows it to avoid some of the transparency requirements that foreign lobbies would be subject to under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
AIPAC's Influence on U.S. Policy
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Campaign Contributions & Endorsements
In recent election cycles, candidates—Republican and Democrat alike—have courted AIPAC’s endorsement and donor base. Those who publicly criticize Israeli policy often see donations dry up or face primary challengers with significant financial backing. -
Congressional Trips to Israel
Every year, AIPAC helps organize trips to Israel for new members of Congress. These trips shape first impressions and reinforce a narrative that prioritizes Israeli security interests over Palestinian human rights concerns. -
Legislative Pressure
AIPAC drafts and promotes legislation that aligns with Israeli interests, such as bills targeting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Members of Congress who resist often face intense pressure or political consequences. -
Silencing Dissent
Politicians like Rep. Ilhan Omar and former Rep. Betty McCollum have publicly criticized AIPAC’s power. In response, they’ve faced smear campaigns and accusations of antisemitism—regardless of whether their critiques targeted Israeli policy or lobbying practices.
Historical Context: The USS Liberty Incident
One of the most suppressed events highlighting the dark underbelly of this alliance is the USS Liberty attack during the Six-Day War in 1967.
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The USS Liberty, a U.S. Navy intelligence ship, was attacked by Israeli air and naval forces in international waters.
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34 Americans were killed, and 171 were wounded.
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Despite evidence that the ship was clearly marked and the attack deliberate, the U.S. government downplayed the event.
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Survivors reported that rescue efforts were delayed and that they were later ordered not to speak about the incident.
While officially labeled a “tragic accident,” many within the military and intelligence community believed the cover-up was politically motivated—to preserve U.S.-Israel relations.
Why This Matters Today
Whether one agrees or disagrees with Israeli policy, it's crucial to ask why nearly all U.S. politicians—across party lines—offer blanket support despite clear violations of international law, as reported by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and other global watchdogs.
The answer lies in the structure of political incentives. Criticizing Israel can cost politicians their careers. Supporting Israel, on the other hand, brings campaign cash, endorsements, media insulation, and bipartisan praise.
In this environment, the truth becomes secondary to political survival. The result is a foreign policy that enables military aggression, suppresses dissent, and silences calls for accountability.
Final Thought
Support for any nation—ally or not—should never be blind. The influence of lobbying groups like AIPAC must be transparent, questioned, and debated. Until then, the American public will continue to see politicians act in ways that serve donors, not principles.
Timeline: AIPAC’s Rise to Power
1951 – Founding
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AIPAC is founded by Isaiah L. Kenen as the American Zionist Committee for Public Affairs.
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It was originally a project of the American Zionist Council but soon rebranded and broke off to appear as a domestic lobbying group.
1967 – USS Liberty Incident
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During the Six-Day War, Israeli forces attack the USS Liberty, killing 34 U.S. sailors.
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Despite outrage from survivors, the U.S. government downplays the event. AIPAC remains silent.
1970s–1980s – Bipartisan Reach Expands
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AIPAC increases its influence with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
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Becomes known as one of the most effective lobbying groups in Washington.
1995 – Jerusalem Embassy Act
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AIPAC strongly supports legislation to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem.
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Although the act passes, implementation is delayed by successive administrations—until Trump.
2005 – FBI Espionage Probe
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Two senior AIPAC officials are investigated for allegedly passing classified U.S. info to Israel.
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The case is dropped in 2009, but it marks a rare moment of legal scrutiny.
2010s – Rise of BDS & New Opposition
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AIPAC lobbies heavily against the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement.
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Simultaneously, younger progressive politicians begin to speak out against unconditional support for Israel.
2019 – Ilhan Omar Controversy
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Rep. Ilhan Omar comments on AIPAC’s financial influence over U.S. politicians, sparking backlash and accusations of antisemitism.
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AIPAC runs attack ads against several progressive candidates who challenge its influence.
2022 – Launch of Super PACs
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AIPAC begins directly funding candidates via its PACs (e.g., United Democracy Project).
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Becomes one of the top spenders in Democratic primaries, often backing pro-Israel challengers to progressive incumbents.
2024 – Record-Breaking Campaign Spending
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AIPAC and affiliated PACs spend over $40 million in election influence, raising concerns about foreign interests guiding U.S. policy.
Sources and Further Reading
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