DNC Rejects Resolution Targeting AIPAC, Defers Israel Arms Measures

Lead

The Democratic National Committee’s resolutions committee voted Thursday to reject a measure targeting the influence of the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC, while deferring two related resolutions on Middle East policy to a working group, according to multiple reports.

The meeting in New Orleans marked another chapter in the ongoing tension between the party’s progressive wing and its leadership over Israel policy, as the base has shifted significantly in its views since the Gaza conflict began in 2023.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from The Guardian, The Intercept, and the Jerusalem Post all confirm that the DNC resolutions committee rejected a symbolic resolution condemning AIPAC’s role in Democratic primaries and tabled resolutions on conditioning military aid to Israel. The Guardian and The Intercept framed the decision as evidence that party leadership is out of touch with its base, while the Jerusalem Post focused more on the controversy surrounding AIPAC’s spending and the debate over whether criticism of the group veers into antisemitism.

All three sources reported that AIPAC spent approximately $14 million in a single Illinois Democratic primary, and The Intercept added that AIPAC has spent more than $221 million in Democratic primaries since the 2022 midterms, a figure not mentioned in the other reports.

Key Claims

AIPAC’s Spending: Multiple sources reported that AIPAC spent roughly $14 million in a single Illinois Democratic primary, with the wider figure of tens of millions in other races also cited. The Intercept offered the higher cumulative figure of $221 million in Democratic primaries since 2022, though that specific number was not corroborated by other outlets.

Resolution Outcome: The Guardian and The Intercept both reported that the resolutions committee voted down the AIPAC measure during a meeting in New Orleans. The Jerusalem Post, publishing earlier, had reported that the DNC was “set to consider” the resolution, suggesting it had not yet been voted on at that time.

Arms Transfers Referral: The Intercept and The Guardian both reported that resolutions on arms transfers to Israel were referred to a task force created by DNC Chair Ken Martin. The Intercept noted that the task force has yet to produce concrete results since its creation in August.

Party Base Shift: The Guardian and The Intercept both reported that polls show the Democratic base has shifted sharply away from Israel since 2023, with The Intercept citing an NBC poll finding that 57% of Democratic voters have a negative view of Israel.

Antisemitism Concern: The Jerusalem Post reported that Rep. Dan Goldman (D-NY) believes there is an undercurrent of antisemitism in the criticism of AIPAC, quoting him as saying, “I do think there is an undercurrent of antisemitism in the degree to which AIPAC seems to be vilified.” This concern was not mentioned in The Guardian or The Intercept reports.