The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has halted political donations through its online fundraising platform to several House Democrats who voted in favour of ending US assistance to Israel, signalling financial consequences for lawmakers whose positions conflict with the group’s pro-Israel stance.
The decision affects 103 Democratic lawmakers, including 15 House Democrats previously endorsed by AIPAC for re-election.
Earlier this week, the lawmakers supported an amendment introduced by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky that sought to remove $3.3 billion in military and humanitarian assistance to Israel from a foreign affairs appropriations bill.
Although the proposal was defeated, it exposed growing divisions within the Democratic Party over continued US support for Israel, particularly amid mounting criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Reacting to the vote, AIPAC criticised the lawmakers who supported the amendment.
“AIPAC was disappointed by the 103 Democrats who voted with Massie to weaken America and our ally Israel,” the organisation said in a statement.
Following the vote, AIPAC disabled donation links for the affected lawmakers on its political fundraising website. While their names and photographs remain visible, visitors can no longer contribute to their campaigns through the platform.
Among those affected is Representative Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the second-ranking Democrat in the House, who publicly acknowledged voting for the amendment despite expressing reservations about the proposal.
The organisation has previously removed donation options for lawmakers who declined AIPAC’s financial support, including Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey. It has also disabled contributions for members of Congress who are not seeking another term, replacing donation links with messages thanking them for supporting the US-Israel relationship.
Responding to questions about the move, AIPAC spokesperson Deryn Sousa defended the decision.
“AIPAC members are deeply appreciative of their representatives who stand on principle and are disappointed by those who don’t,” Sousa said.
This is not the first time the lobbying group has withheld financial support over congressional votes. In 2024, AIPAC cut off funding to 15 House Republicans who opposed a $14 billion emergency military aid package for Israel. Some of those lawmakers have since regained access to the organisation’s fundraising platform after backing Israel in more recent votes.
The latest action highlights widening tensions between AIPAC and sections of the Democratic Party, where support for Israel has become increasingly divisive.
Many Democratic lawmakers have distanced themselves from the lobbying group in recent years, while public opinion among younger and progressive Democratic voters has shifted towards greater scrutiny of continued US military aid to Israel.
The development also reflects broader political changes in Washington, with some Democrats moving away from the long-standing bipartisan consensus that traditionally backed unconditional US support for Israel.
Even House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who has maintained a close relationship with AIPAC for years, appeared to signal a shift after accepting an endorsement last year from J Street, a centre-left pro-Israel advocacy group that often takes different positions from AIPAC on Middle East policy.
