Progressive groups launch 'Reject AIPAC' effort as Democratic divides over Israel deepen

Source: ABC News

March 11, 2024, 8:30 AM


A coalition of nearly two-dozen progressive groups on Monday launched a seven-figure effort to defend progressive Democrats in Congress who have criticized both Israel's military offensive in Gaza and continued U.S. support for Israel -- marking a major new development in the intraparty battle over support for Israel in the Democratic Party.

The "Reject AIPAC" bloc, which includes Justice Democrats, Our Revolution, the Sunrise Movement and the IfNotNow Movement, plans to rally voters as part of a "electoral defense campaign" to support Democrats who have been criticized by the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

The coalition will also organize demonstrations calling for a cease-fire in Gaza and for lawmakers to impose new conditions on U.S. military support for Israel as Israel targets Hamas fighters -- while encouraging lawmakers to sign a pledge to not take campaign contributions from AIPAC. The latter group has deep ties in Washington, across both sides of the aisle, and regularly endorses both pro-Israel Republicans and Democrats every election cycle.

United Democracy Project, the organization's super PAC, has received millions of dollars from Democratic megadonors, such as Haim Saban, as well as Republicans donors including hedge fund billionaire Paul Singer and Home Depot founder Bernie Marcus, according to Open Secrets.

Read more: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/progressive-groups-launch-reject-aipac-effort-democratic-divides/story?id=107983585