In the U.S., the liberal ‘squad’ is fighting back against pro-Israel lobby groups

Progressive members of the U.S. Congress who have criticized Israel's conduct during the war on Hamas in Gaza are facing significant political challenges and record-breaking fundraising as pro-Israel groups seek to defeat them in upcoming elections.

They were warned that criticism of Israel’s conduct during its war on Hamas in Gaza could cost them politically. But in the four months since Israel’s blistering offensive was ignited by Hamas’s October 7 attack, progressives in the U.S. Congress who have called for a ceasefire are seeing record fundraising dollars as they fight to remain in office.

Members of the “squad” — a group of liberals in the House — are being singled out by pro-Israel Public Affairs Committees (PACs) like the American Israel PAC (AIPAC). The groups have pledged or plan to spend tens of millions of dollars to try to defeat them in Democratic primaries and the general election this year, turning the otherwise safely Democratic districts into election battlegrounds.

The cohort of lawmakers is facing what they see as an “existential threat” to their political careers. It’s a struggle that raises significant questions about who can be a Democrat in Congress, what positions are permissible about Israel and the Palestinians, and what role outside groups should have in determining both.

Unlike in previous cycles, progressives are being bolstered more and more by Arab American and Muslim groups who are organising in record numbers to ensure their voices are heard on Capitol Hill.

“The fact that amidst these AIPAC attacks, amidst us having a viable challenger, we have record-breaking fundraising quarter is because the Muslim community has felt erased and dehumanised throughout this process,” Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., said in an interview last month.

AIPAC has defended its track record, saying in a statement that “it is entirely consistent with progressive values to stand with the Jewish state,” and that the group has a history of supporting members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus.

Congressional Democrats have long been sensitive about the divisions around Israel, with even lawmakers aligned with AIPAC declining to discuss the situation on the record.