Dr. Kobby Barda, Senior Researcher at the Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies - University of Haifa. Could this be the end of "The Squad"?

Last night, AIPAC issued an email regarding the news published earlier about “targeting” of the "Squad"

AIPAC implies and I quote: "Indeed, it is worth (emphasis and underline) to be concerned."

The main squad backer - "Justice Democrats" - is warning its supporters that "AIPAC plans to go 'all out"" against the Squad. See their email for yourself:

To this, AIPAC replies: 

"And they should be worried. Pro-Israel Americans are sick and tired of the hatred and lies being pushed by these extremist members of Congress.

Squad co-founder Rashida Tlaib disgustingly accused President Biden of enabling "genocide" and promotes the Hamas catchphrase "from the river to the sea."

We can't let this radical extremism in 'Congress grow. We need to push back against the lies and hatred and stand with Israel, our greatest ally and the only democracy in the Middle East."

Over the years, AIPAC compiled a "recommended list" for the House and Senate, highlighting candidates fostering the U.S.-Israel relationship. 

Access to this exclusive club garnered financial support for candidates' campaigns, indirectly influencing without an active money transfer. Recently, AIPAC openly established its SUPER PAC, reflecting a shift in its approach, aiming to enhance its impact in the evolving political landscape of Washington, D.C.

The formation of the SUPER PAC marks a strategic move in response to changes in the political environment, with hyper-partisanship, a high turnover in Congress, and exponential campaign costs. AIPAC's significant contributions played a crucial role in recent elections, particularly evident in the outcome of the primaries where substantial financial backing translated into electoral success for favored candidates.

In the latest election, AIPAC's involvement was illustrated by comparing the results with the previous electoral system. AIPAC's financial backing significantly contributed to Shontel Brown's victory, who outpaced Nina Turner with a substantial margin. However, this active participation has not been without consequences, as investigative articles have scrutinized AIPAC's involvement, including Republican funding, potentially impacting the Democratic Party's internal processes.

The battle between AIPAC and progressive candidates concluded with a resounding 11:1 victory in the mid-term primaries, where candidates supported by AIPAC prevailed against a single progressive candidate who faced considerable challenges. 

The estimated investment for these mid-term elections amounted to approximately $29 million, signaling AIPAC's commitment to supporting liberal candidates against their progressive counterparts. Looking ahead, AIPAC is anticipated to allocate a substantial sum of $100 million to bolster campaigns for liberal candidates against their progressive rivals.

Dr. Kobby Barda,   Senior Researcher at the Haifa Laboratory for Religious Studies - University of Haifa.

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