Anti-Israel extremism takes root in the Democratic Party

Progressives and moderate Democrats are divided over how far ​the United States should go in supporting Israel’s security. Roughly 80% of Democratic voters and Democratic-leaning independents have an unfavorable view of Israel. A growing number of Democratic primary challengers are making opposition to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) a campaign issue as they seek to unseat party incumbents backed by the influential pro-Israel advocacy group.

Founded in the 1950s, AIPAC has been one of Washington’s most influential foreign-policy lobbying organizations, contributing millions of dollars for candidates ‌to promote a strong U.S.‑Israel relationship and advocating for military aid to Israel, sanctions on Iran and U.S. legislation it views as supportive of Israeli security. AIPAC and its supporters gave almost $25 million to Democratic congressional candidates ahead of the 2024 election and more than $16 million to Republicans.

The tensions in the Democratic Party are a symptom of ​a larger and more troubling dynamic inside the party. As younger activists move into the Democratic Party infrastructure and elected office, the party energizes more towards the left. That ​creates proxy battles, such as whether or not a candidate accepts support from AIPAC.

Some Democratic strategists worry the friction could be exploited in election campaigns by Republicans, who have broadly backed Israel ​and criticized Democrats who oppose U.S. support. Kiersten Pels, a Republican National Committee spokeswoman, accused Democrats of allowing “a dangerous strain of pro-terrorist, anti-American extremism to take root in their party.