ALBAWABA - AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has made large financial donations to a number of Congressmen who enthusiastically cheered Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's July 24 address.
Concerns over the ramifications of hosting a political person charged with war crimes by an international court have been raised by this financing. Critics cast doubt on the degree to which donor power sways politicians and the political class in the United States, especially when it comes to their views on Israel's military operations, particularly those that are occurring right now in Gaza.
The prosecutor for the International Criminal Court requested an arrest warrant for Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his defense minister, on allegations of "war crimes and crimes against humanity," but Congress welcomed Netanyahu with open arms. He was given permission to make false statements in his address, such as "Israel has killed almost no civilians in its assault on Rafah." This demonstrates the impact AIPAC has on legislative choices via alleged "campaign donations."
As Netanyahu was speaking, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators flooded Washington, demanding an end to the war and a suspension of Israel's military sales. Still, the majority of Congressmen in attendance at Netanyahu's speech failed to notice these demonstrations, mostly because AIPAC was providing financial support.
Anadolu Agency data shows that a number of Congressmen got large contributions from AIPAC. Notable beneficiaries include House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who earned $1,367,047, and Democratic Congressman Steny Hoyer, who received $1,736,244.
Furthermore, Senators Cory Booker of New Jersey and Raphael Warnock of Georgia each collected $929,776, $913,081, and $929,776, respectively. Congressman Ted Lieu of California ($315,955), Congressman Glenn Ivey of Maryland ($807,215), and Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania ($245,550) were among the other honorees.
On the Republican side, AIPAC gave $364,363 to House Speaker Mike Johnson and $1,509,359 to Texas Senator Ted Cruz.
