Pro-Israel Groups Vow to Increase Involvement in Democratic Primaries, But Progress is Slow.

Pro-Israel Groups Face Challenges in Democratic Primaries

After Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct. 7, pro-Israel political groups issued warnings to the Democratic Party’s most vocal critics of the Jewish state. They threatened to pour significant funding into unseating them or pressuring them to change their stance on the Middle East. However, the expected target of this financial onslaught, Representative Summer Lee of Pittsburgh, will face minimal opposition in the Pennsylvania primary.

Despite raising tens of millions of dollars, groups like Democratic Majority for Israel and United Democracy Project have hesitated to spend the money. The lack of action against Ms. Lee, a staunch critic of Israel, has been attributed to the difficulty in finding a suitable primary challenger for her.

The political landscape surrounding Israel has shifted significantly in Democratic primaries, especially after the recent conflict in Gaza. The prolonged violence in Gaza, resulting in thousands of Palestinian casualties, has influenced Democratic leaders to encounter more pro-Palestinian demonstrators than pro-Israel ones.

Pro-Israel groups are facing challenges in garnering support from young, progressive voters who are wary of AIPAC and its allies. The shift in public opinion has been attributed to changes in news coverage and a growing sentiment among voters, particularly among the youth, to sympathize more with the Palestinians.

Despite the threats from pro-Israel groups, the resolve of Israel’s critics, including prominent figures like the Squad, remains steadfast. The ongoing debate over U.S. aid to Israel and calls for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza have intensified within the Democratic Party, reflecting a broader shift in attitudes towards Israel and the Middle East.