A New Challenge for 'AIPAC': A Rising American Organization to Support Palestine and Undermine Military Aid to the Occupation

Political and security circles in the occupation state are observing with increasing concern the profound shifts within the American arena, where a new political organization has recently emerged, aiming to compete with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee 'AIPAC'. This organization, named 'American Priorities', seeks to attract voters' support for candidates who adopt positions supportive of Palestinian rights and oppose the continuation of unconditional military aid to Tel Aviv.

These developments coincide with preparations for the midterm primary elections in the United States, where the new organization aims to bring as many legislators as possible who are opposed to Israeli policies into the halls of Congress. Observers believe that this trend poses a direct threat to the traditional influence enjoyed by Zionist organizations in Washington over the past decades, opening the door to serious discussions about the utility of security aid.

The figure of Brad Lander, the New York City Comptroller, stands out as one of the interesting political models in this context, as he combines his Jewish identity with sharp criticisms of the Israeli government. Lander, who describes himself as a 'progressive Zionist', did not hesitate to describe the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip as 'genocide', demanding that Israel comply with international law as a fundamental condition for receiving any American military support.

Lander has translated his political positions into practical actions through his office, significantly reducing investments in Israel and boycotting annual events supporting the occupation in New York. Lander justified his boycott by the participation of extremist ministers in the Israeli government, describing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich as a 'war criminal', which reflects the growing gap between the progressive wing of the Democratic Party and the Israeli right.

The 'American Priorities' organization was founded to serve as a counterbalance to powerful pro-Israel groups, operating as a political action committee aimed at protecting Democratic candidates from 'AIPAC' pressures. The organization provides a financial 'protective umbrella' for candidates who fear losing funding or being subjected to counter-campaigns due to their critical stances on the occupation, giving them greater courage to express their political views.

This initiative is led by Hannah Partig, a Jewish strategist who played a prominent role in Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, lending a professional character to the organization's work. Partig plans to spend approximately $10 million during the current election cycle and has already succeeded in raising $4 million in the organization's first months, with support from donors, mostly from the technology sector.

The organization relies on a diverse base of wealthy donors for its funding, including high-tech professionals of American Muslim descent, who seek to create a balance in American foreign policy. This attempt represents an effort by the progressive wing to emulate the methods of work and grassroots mobilization perfected by pro-Israel organizations for decades, but with goals that serve justice in Palestine.

Although the new organization's budget is still modest compared to 'AIPAC's' massive budgets, its ability to influence specific electoral districts raises serious concerns in Tel Aviv. Israeli sources fear that these efforts could lead to the victory of candidates who fundamentally oppose Israeli security policies, which could complicate the passage of military aid packages in the future.

The strategic importance of these electoral battles lies in the fact that Congress is the only body with 'purse power' in the United States, responsible for approving annual budgets. Every dollar of the permanent aid amounting to $3.8 billion, or emergency grants allocated for systems such as 'Iron Dome', must pass through complex legislative channels requiring the approval of legislators.

In the past, American aid to Israel enjoyed automatic bipartisan consensus from both Republican and Democratic parties, but this reality has gradually faded with the entry of a new generation of legislators. Individual members of Congress, or organized groups, can now introduce legal amendments linking arms transfers to the extent of the occupation's compliance with international laws and human rights, causing a chronic 'headache' for Israeli diplomacy.

These continuous political pressures erode the American administration's freedom to act and move to support Israel without restrictions, as the administration is forced to consider the balances within Congress and its crucial committees. The Foreign Affairs and Appropriations committees are considered among the most important arenas now witnessing hidden conflicts over the future of the military relationship between Washington and Tel Aviv, amid increasing calls for accountability.

Reports indicate that the current battle in the midterm elections directly targets the 'security tap' that feeds the Israeli military machine, which has prompted some circles in Tel Aviv to consider alternatives. Internal Israeli plans have begun to emerge aimed at reducing reliance on American aid over the next decade, recognizing that this support may not remain guaranteed in light of demographic and political shifts in America.

This decline in the occupation's standing coincides with an increase in international reports documenting the commission of war crimes in the Palestinian territories and Lebanon, which further complicates the defense of Israel in public forums. These crimes have placed additional obstacles before Israeli lobbying groups, which found themselves on the defensive against a young generation of Americans who refuse to fund wars with their taxes.

Ultimately, it appears that the American arena is no longer a completely 'safe zone' for absolute Israeli influence, as new forces have begun to impose their agenda on the political decision-making table. The success of the 'American Priorities' organization in achieving its goals could represent the beginning of the end of 'AIPAC's' era of complete dominance, and establish a new phase of more balanced American foreign policy towards the conflict.

The current battle in the midterm elections is now directly aimed at Israel's security tap, and Tel Aviv realizes that this aid may not continue in the future.