AIPAC targets former ally in New Jersey over conditional Israel aid stance

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has launched a $2 million advertising campaign against former congressman Tom Malinowski, who is running to represent New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, despite having been seen as an ally of the organisation in previous years.

The move comes in response to Malinowski’s position that US military aid to Israel should be linked to specific conditions. This stance was viewed by the lobby as a lack of “unconditional” support for Israel, which goes against the policies it promotes.

Malinowski, who was previously known for supporting Israel’s occupation and opposing the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, said that his call to attach conditions to aid reflects the view of the majority of Americans.

To divert attention from divisions among Democratic voters over Israel, the advertisements focused on claims that Malinowski supported president Donald Trump’s immigration policies. These claims were based on his 2019 vote for a funding bill that included money for law enforcement at the southern border, a measure supported by most Democrats at the time.

The developments in New Jersey highlight growing tensions between the pro-Israel lobby and some moderate Democratic lawmakers who are seeking to place conditions on aid to Israel, at a time when parts of the American voter base are showing less support for unconditional backing.

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