The Israel lobby in American politics

The US presidential debates more than ever instruct us that American politics despite their global impact is hardly about world peace, security, or prosperity. That it may not even be about US national interest occurred to us as we watched the presidential contenders line up at the recent annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to pledge their unqualified support for Israel. And that support for Israel is founded less on principles than on the Israel lobby’s clout with contributors to the campaign fund and with voters.

At this point, use of the word Israel rather than Jewish must be noted. The AIPAC also counts on the support of Christians of various denominations in the so-called Bible Belt of America who believe in the Israelites’ being God’s Chosen People. Known for devoting themselves to politics with almost religious fervor, Jews are said to have the highest percentage voter turnout of any ethnic group. Adding the non-Jews makes clear Israel has the support of one of the largest voting groups in America. Jews have also been considered major benefactors of political campaigns.