A powerful pro-Israel lobbying group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), long influential in U.S. politics, is facing growing criticism from within the Democratic Party ahead of the June 23 primary elections. Several Democratic candidates, including New York’s Brad Lander, have openly rejected AIPAC’s influence, calling it a corrupting force in democratic politics. Others, like incumbent Dan Goldman, accepted AIPAC’s support but urged the group to be willing to criticize the Israeli government when necessary.

AIPAC traditionally mobilizes support for pro-Israel candidates and opposes those seen as hostile to Israel, often through its super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP). Despite spending heavily in recent primaries, AIPAC has seen mixed results. Its critics argue that the group’s use of large, undisclosed donations to defend Israel amid rising questions about unconditional U.S. military aid has made it a focal point of controversy within the party.

Analysts cited in the report suggest that mainstream Democrats critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s policies may now pose a greater challenge to AIPAC’s bipartisan dominance than the progressive left.