Citing 'challenges,' AIPAC halts endorsements and direct contributions to candidates

In this file photo from 2023, U.S. and Israeli flags fill a field in Boston, Massachusetts. Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images hide caption Joseph Prezioso/AFP via Getty Images The pro-Israel political organization AIPAC, or the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, announced on Wednesday that it will no longer issue endorsements, make direct PAC contributions or earmark funds for candidates. A longtime influential lobbying group, AIPAC started its direct political involvement five years ago. Since then, particularly this midterm election cycle, AIPAC has been met with mounting resistance. The group has faced criticism over its stances on various issues, including the wars in Gaza and Iran. Candidates endorsed by AIPAC have also faced tough opposition from both the political right and the political left for accepting the organization's support and financial contributions as public opinion on the U.S. relationship with Israel has shifted. In order to tame the criticism, some AIPAC-endorsed candidates said they won't accept any money from the organization. AIPAC first announced the changes in a letter to members, stating "the challenges we are confronting will continue to grow ...