The Intercept - We’re not afraid to talk about AIPAC

Polls consistently show that most Americans oppose arming Israel. So why do both major political parties continue to march in lockstep when it comes to providing Israel with U.S. weapons? (The most recent House appropriations vote was 366-58.)

Most major news outlets — whether for fear of upsetting corporate advertisers or being groundlessly accused of antisemitism — won’t report on how AIPAC employs an army of lobbyists and millions in campaign cash to keep the bombs and bullets flowing.

From the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, The Intercept hasn’t just reported on the suffering and death of Palestinian civilians. Our fiercely independent reporters have shined a spotlight on how the pro-Israel lobby silences dissent right here in the United States.

But as the war approaches its one-year anniversary, our nonprofit newsroom urgently needs an infusion of financial support to continue this ambitious coverage. That’s why we’ve set a goal of raising $400,000 by September 30.

In these difficult times for journalism, will you step up with a donation to power The Intercept’s investigations into AIPAC — and our ongoing coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza?

AIPAC is one of the most powerful lobbying forces in Washington when it comes to the Middle East and the top outside spender in Democratic Party primaries.

In 2022, the group successfully defeated Democratic Rep. Andy Levin, one of the most progressive Jewish members of Congress. This summer, AIPAC flexed its considerable political muscle by spending $25 million — raised in large part from Republican donors — to defeat Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush in their Democratic primaries.

The effect of this spending goes far beyond these districts: Every Democrat knows that they will face similar attacks if they dare challenge Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing slaughter in Gaza or call for limits on U.S. military aid to Israel.

From our founding, The Intercept has reported critically on the U.S.–Israel relationship, the occupation, and how opposing voices are silenced. Now, our reporters are among the very few scrutinizing how AIPAC’s massive campaign spending is exerting influence in the Democratic Party establishment and quashing efforts to demand that Israel accept a ceasefire.

But to reach this $400,000 goal and continue our coverage, we need readers like you to donate today.

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