Research Article

Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War

Volume: 12 Number: 1 June 30, 2025
EN

Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War

Abstract

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has been a key player in mobilizing support for Israel’s foreign policy within the US Congress, especially during regional conflicts. While studies have examined the influence of the pro-Israeli lobbies’ donations on US policymakers, the strategic allocation of these funds remains less explored. This study addresses that gap by analyzing factors that influenced variations in AIPAC donations to US Congress members following the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. The findings reveal two main determinants: Congress members' sponsorship of pro-Israel bills and the electoral competition in their constituencies. Those actively supporting pro-Israel legislation receive more financial contributions, indicating a link between legislative support and financial incentives. Additionally, members facing strong electoral competition attract more donations, suggesting AIPAC’s targeted investment in politically secure candidates. This research highlights how the Israeli lobby strategically uses financial contributions to shape US foreign policy, particularly in the context of Israel's military engagements.

Keywords

AIPAC, Congressional donations, Israeli lobby, Electoral competition, US Foreign Policy

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APA
Küçük, Ö. N. (2025). Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War. Türkiye Ortadoğu Çalışmaları Dergisi, 12(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.26513/tocd.1574363
AMA
1.Küçük ÖN. Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War. TJMES. 2025;12(1):1-20. doi:10.26513/tocd.1574363
Chicago
Küçük, Ömer Naim. 2025. “Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War”. Türkiye Ortadoğu Çalışmaları Dergisi 12 (1): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.26513/tocd.1574363.
EndNote
Küçük ÖN (June 1, 2025) Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War. Türkiye Ortadoğu Çalışmaları Dergisi 12 1 1–20.
IEEE
[1]Ö. N. Küçük, “Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War”, TJMES, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1–20, June 2025, doi: 10.26513/tocd.1574363.
ISNAD
Küçük, Ömer Naim. “Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War”. Türkiye Ortadoğu Çalışmaları Dergisi 12/1 (June 1, 2025): 1-20. https://doi.org/10.26513/tocd.1574363.
JAMA
1.Küçük ÖN. Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War. TJMES. 2025;12:1–20.
MLA
Küçük, Ömer Naim. “Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War”. Türkiye Ortadoğu Çalışmaları Dergisi, vol. 12, no. 1, June 2025, pp. 1-20, doi:10.26513/tocd.1574363.
Vancouver
1.Ömer Naim Küçük. Funding in the Shadow of Conflict: AIPAC’s Financial Influence on US Congress Post-2023 Israel-Hamas War. TJMES. 2025 Jun. 1;12(1):1-20. doi:10.26513/tocd.1574363