Pro-Israel groups target US lawmakers critical of Gaza war with attack ads [View all]

[Donkees]

The pro-Israel lobby in the US is airing attack ads and beginning to back primary opponents to challenge Congress members who are not voting for or supporting Israel’s war on Gaza.

Over the last 10 days, groups that support Israel have launched ads in at least seven districts targeting those who have been particularly vocal in calling attention to the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, opposing Israeli military aid or criticizing Israel’s government.

“I don’t know which polls [the pro-Israel lobby] is reading, but I’m looking at polls and not seeing an issue that there’s a lot of consensus around on the Democratic side,” said James Zogby, a pollster and founder of the Arab-American Institute. “There is not a lot of thinking going on about whether this is the hand they want to play or tactic to use.” A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows nearly half of Democrats disapprove of how Joe Biden, who has been fiercely supportive of Israel, is handling the war.

A group of Super Pacs and dark money non-profits – most notably groups such as Aipac and Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) – tied to Israeli interests last cycle contributed about $43m to US campaigns, according to Open Secrets, a campaign finance watchdog.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/nov/11/israel-ads-attack-rashida-tlaib-us-politicians