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

Year 2025, Volume: 12 Issue: 1

Ömer Naim Küçük

https://doi.org/10.26513/tocd.1574363

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 contributors: 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

Çatışmanın Gölgesinde Finansman: AIPAC'ın 2023 İsrail-Hamas Savaşı Sonrasında ABD Kongresi Üzerindeki Mali Etkisi

Abstract

Amerikan İsrail Halkla İlişkiler Komitesi (AIPAC), özellikle bölgesel çatışmalar sırasında ABD Kongresi'nde İsrail'in dış politikasına desteğin harekete geçirilmesinde kilit bir oyuncu olmuştur. Çalışmalar İsrail yanlısı lobilerin bağışlarının ABD'li politika yapıcılar üzerindeki etkisini incelemiş olsa da, bu fonların stratejik tahsisi daha az araştırılmıştır. Bu çalışma, 2023 İsrail-Hamas savaşının ardından AIPAC'ın ABD Kongre üyelerine yaptığı bağışlardaki değişimleri etkileyen faktörleri analiz ederek bu boşluğu ele almaktadır. Bulgular iki ana faktörü ortaya koymaktadır: Kongre üyelerinin İsrail yanlısı yasa tasarılarını desteklemeleri ve seçim bölgelerindeki seçim rekabeti. İsrail yanlısı yasaları aktif olarak destekleyenler daha fazla mali katkı alıyor, bu da yasama desteği ile mali teşvikler arasında bir bağlantı olduğunu gösteriyor. Buna ek olarak, güçlü seçim rekabetiyle karşı karşıya olan üyeler daha fazla bağış çekmekte, bu da AIPAC'in siyasi olarak güvenli adaylara hedefli yatırım yaptığını göstermektedir. Bu araştırma, İsrail lobisinin, özellikle İsrail'in askeri angajmanları bağlamında, ABD dış politikasını şekillendirmek için mali katkıları stratejik olarak nasıl kullandığını vurgulamaktadır.

Keywords

AIPAC, Siyasi bağışlar, İsrail Lobisi, Seçim rekabeti, ABD dış politikası

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