The Israel issue has sparked intense debate within the U.S. Democratic Party during a key meeting ahead of the midterm elections
New Orleans, U.S. – This week, at a major strategic gathering just before the November midterm elections, heated discussions erupted within the U.S. Democratic Party over the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups on American politics and the military actions of the U.S. ally Israel in the Middle East.
On Thursday, during a three-day meeting of the Democratic National Committee in New Orleans, attendees began deliberating resolutions calling for recognition of a Palestinian state, restrictions on military aid to Israel, and condemnation of the "growing influence" of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC)—a long-standing bipartisan organization dedicated to ensuring a pro-Israel majority in the U.S. Congress.
According to AFP, Margaret Drus, Executive Director of the Policy Programs at the Middle East Understanding Institute, said: "In 2024, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee is the largest source of funding for Republicans in democratic politics. Its super donors, such as Miriam Adelson and Paul Singer, are committed to ensuring that Republicans defeat the Democrats in this November’s election."
The timing of this meeting coincides with a moment when U.S. Democrats are re-evaluating their stance toward Israel.
A recent Pew Research Center survey found that 80% of U.S. Democrats and independent voters leaning Democratic hold negative views of Israel—up from 69% last year and 53% in 2022.
An NBC poll conducted early in the Iran war showed that 57% of Americans viewed Israel negatively—an increase of 22 percentage points since October 7, 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israel.
At Thursday’s Democratic National Committee meeting in New Orleans, the resolution condemning the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) failed to pass.
However, according to AFP, several major Democratic strongholds have publicly rejected contributions from the group. For example, former presidential candidate and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker has openly refused donations from the organization.
Other prominent Democrats who have vowed never to accept funding from AIPAC include California Governor Gavin Newsom, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
All three governors are considered potential candidates for future presidential bids.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1862055763331152/
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