1. Bills, Resolutions
2. Letters & Reports
3. Hearings & Markups
4. Selected Members on the Record
5. Selected Media & Press releases/Statements
New episodes of FMEP’s Occupied Thoughts podcast & FMEP in other podcasts:
- 8/13/26: Supremacy over Democracy: The Shame of the American Jewish Establishment, ft. FMEP Fellow Ahmed Moor interviewing FMEP Fellow Peter Beinart about Peter’s recent Jewish Currents essay, “The Shame of the American Jewish Establishment”
- 8/10/26: The Future of US Aid to Israel: From Military Assistance to Integration, new Al-Shabaka Policy Lab episode featuring Al-Shabaka’s Tariq Kenney-Shawa in conversation with FMEP’s Lara Friedman and investigative journalist and writer Antony Loewenstein
1. Bills & Resolutions
(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 5334: Introduced 9/11/25 by Panetta (D-CA) [as the “Supporting Early-childhood Educators’ Deductions Act of 2025”]; passed by the Senate 8/7/26 after the Senate adopted an amendment in the nature of a substitute (deleting the entire text and replacing it with the text of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. Sent back to the House 8/10/26 [see HR 10076, bel0w].
(IRAN SANCTIONS) HR 10076: Introduced 8/10/26 by McCaul (R-TX) and 17 bipartisan cosponsors, the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.” Referred to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, the Judiciary, Oversight and Government Reform, Financial Services, Ways and Means, Rules, and Energy and Commerce.
(LEGALLY REQUIRE & ENFORCE MASSIVE EXPANSION OF US INTELL SHARING & COOPERATION WITH ISRAEL) S. 4615: Introduced 5/20/26 by Cotton (R-AR, the “Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.” As reported in last week’s Round-Up, on 8/5/26, Cotton filed a written report on the bill (Report Number 119-133), and additional and Minority views were also filed (not online last week). As a reminder: The bill includes an expansive new provision — Section 622 — entitled “United States-Israel intelligence sharing enhancement.” Maybe you think this is the best idea ever! Maybe you think it is a terrible idea. Regardless, it is a HUGE deal and arguably should be understood/discussed/debated rather than just quietly slipping into law unnoticed. For further details see the June 5, 2026 edition of the Round-Up. UPDATE: That report is now public – Report Number 119-133. In it, Cotton makes the case for Sec. 622 while egregiously downplaying the actual impact Sec. 622 would have on U.S. intelligence; Minority views do NOT include any opposition to Sec. 622 and implicitly appear to support it.
Reporting/posts on previously-introduced legislation:
- International Crisis Group 8/12/26: The U.S. and Israel: From Aid to Strategic Integration [“The debate under way about U.S. military assistance to Israel is a barometer of bilateral relations. Israeli officials have accepted that the next deal could be the last of its kind, but they are also working toward interdependence that will be harder to unravel.”]
- JINSA 8/12/26: JINSA Impact on This Year’s National Defense Authorization Act [claiming influence on a list of pro-Israel provisions in the House and Senate versions of the bill, including provisions to integrate/weld the IDF into the US military and into US national security operations
- X-thread 8/10/26 from TimepDC’s Doug Christensen: “On Friday, @SFRCdems Ranking Member @SenatorShaheen & @SenatorLankford introduced the new bipartisan Lebanon Sanctions, Stabilization, and Support Act. I attempt to break down the 30-page bill, which includes both sanctions and assistance authorization. Here is my read…”
- Lankford (R-OK) and Shaheen (D-NH) press release 8/7/26: Lankford, Shaheen Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Sanction Hezbollah and Strengthen Lebanon’s Sovereignty
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency 8/6/26: Cruz, Slotkin lead bipartisan push for federal protest buffer around houses of worship
2. Letters & Reports
- (THE SCANDAL OF TREATMENT OF US SAILORS ON USS LINCOLN) 8/12/26: Blumenthal to Defense Department: What Are You Doing To Support Sailors On The USS Abraham Lincoln? [letter text] Excerpt: “The Lincoln’s prolonged deployment is especially significant because it is occurring in the context of continuing military operations against Iran and the possibility that substantial U.S. naval forces will be required in the region for an extended period”.
- (PRIORITIZE EASTERN MED/ISRAEL INTEGRATION) 8/11/26: Schneider, Bilirakis Lead Bipartisan Effort Urging Secretary Rubio to Prioritize the Great Sea Interconnector to Strengthen Coordination in the Eastern Mediterranean [letter text]. Also see: House lawmakers push US backing for Israel-Greece-Cyprus power link (Jewish News Syndicate 8/11/26)
3. Hearings & Markups
None.
Israel/AIPAC in US Elex & politics
- Massie (R-KY) 8/11/26: X-post – “They should rename it Dual-Citizens United after Israeli Miriam Adelson spent her millions to beat me.”
- Fine (R-FL) 8/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Democrats support Hamas sympathizers, defunding the police, open borders, and communism masked as socialism. The American people reject this garbage. We won’t allow these clowns to destroy our country.”
- Massie (R-KY) 8/10/26: X-post – “.@elonmusk flagging this to help your platform get better. X is my favorite. Eyal is an op.” Commenting on 8/6/26 post noting: “Eyal Yakoby posted about Hamas 7,000 times. To recap: Israel 7,000 times, Iran 7,000 times, and Hamas 7,000 times. That’s 21,000 in total from one account. More than once every hour.”
- Fetterman (D-PA) 8/10/26: X-post – “Why won’t fellow Democrats condemn these abhorrent views from DSA? How is embracing Hamas a “big tent” issue for Democrats?” With pic of Times of Israel headline, Co-chair of Democratic Socialists of America defends rallying for Hamas [NOTE: The DSA co-chair neither “embraced” Hamas nor defended “rallying for Hamas” in this interview. The description of the October 8th rally – which occurred after Israel had already launched massive retaliation targeting all of Gaza – as “pro-Hamas” reflected the views/words of the interviewer (and apparently the author of the Times of Israel piece, and Fetterman), NOT the views/words of the DSA co-chair — you can listen to the interview or read the transcript here; and note that even Jewish Insider did not describe the rally as “pro-Hamas” in its coverage of the same interview.
- Khanna (D-CA) 8/8/26: X-post – “The next administration must be anti-empire to reclaim our sovereignty and for economic justice. This begins with no aid to Israel. America will no longer underwrite permanent domination anywhere. Just as we should not have overthrown Mossadegh, Árbenz, or Lumumba, we should not bankroll the indefinite denial of Palestinian self-determination. This means an America that respects sovereignty and does not threaten to seize Greenland, strangle Cuba, or invade another country in the Middle East. And the next administration must be for Medicare for All. Of all the economic bill of rights, health is first because health is life. A Democratic Party that chooses healthcare over war is a party worthy of our nation’s freedom struggles.”
- Khanna (D-CA) 8/7/26: X-post – “Medicare for All No Aid to Israel Healthcare over War That is what Democratic voters are saying.”
- Gottheimer (D-NJ) 8/7/26: Free Beacon article – Josh Gottheimer: The Democratic Party Is Being Hijacked by Socialists
- Tenney (R-NY) 8/7/26: Congresswoman Tenney Releases 2026 Israel and Iran Plan
Concern for Palestinians
- Jayapal (D-WA) 8/13/26: X-post – “Despite the ceasefire agreement from October 2025, the violence and hunger in Gaza have continued. We cannot turn a blind eye to this destruction. Watch the full episode of my podcast, The Power You Have, on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.”
- Jayapal (D-WA) 8/12/26: X-post w/ video clip – “‘So many people are dying there. I have no right to live.’ Listen to Dr. Tanya Shah’s experience serving patients in Gaza and her life-threatening case of pneumonia upon returning to the U.S. The full episode of The Power You Have is available wherever you get your podcasts.”
- Pressley (D-MA) 8/11/26: X-post – “It has now been more than two months since 20-year-old Palestinian American Sama Safi—a U.S. citizen—was abducted in the middle of the night from her family home in the West Bank by armed Israeli soldiers. I recently met with Sama’s parents to hear their story. Amidst profound trauma, they summoned great clarity and courage to advocate for their child, who reports having endured inhumane conditions in detention. According to Sama’s attorney, there is little credible evidence that would warrant her continued detention, and with every day that passes, her chronic health condition worsens. I’ve been calling on the Trump Administration to secure Sama’s immediate release, continued access to medical care, and end all unjust and arbitrary detentions. And I’ll keep fighting for Sama’s release and demanding accountability from the Israeli government and the Trump Administration.”
- Warren (D-MA) 8/10/26: X-post – “Donald Trump lifted sanctions against Israeli settlers who are seizing homes in the West Bank. Now, the violence is worse, and even more Palestinians—and four Americans—have been killed by settlers and security forces. This is deeply wrong. These families deserve justice.” With link to Guardian article, Top Democrats accuse Trump officials over Israeli settlers’ ‘unbridled violence’
- Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/10/26: X-post with video clip – “A US ambassador’s job is to protect & defend the citizens & interests of the United States. @USAmbIsrael Mike Huckabee has failed to do so. As violence consumes the West Bank & extremists call for a Greater Israel, he’s become a mouthpiece for the Israeli govt. He should resign.” NOTE: THIS POST IS BEING SUPPRESSED ON X (in North America — no idea if elsewhere), If you are not logged into X as adult neither the post nor the totally-not-graphic video documenting, among other things, settler violence, is NOT VIEWABLE – all you can see is a warning: “Age-restricted adult content. This content might not be appropriate for people under 18 years old. To view this media, you’ll need to log in to X. Learn more”. Also see: Van Hollen (D-MD) 8/10/26: press release with video – “Mike Huckabee must resign.” Huckabee responded on X 8/11/26: “I’m doing something right! Sen Chris Van Hollen (Wasting Away in Margaritaville) & Pro-Hamas CAIR want me to resign. Senator, I will if YOU will. I’ll go see my grandkids & you can take MS-13 gangbangers out for Margaritas like you did before.” With link to CAIR press release – CAIR Applauds Sen. Van Hollen’s Call for U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee to Resign
- Quigley (D-IL) 8/9/26: X-post – “After campaigning to be the “Pro-Peace President,” Trump has enabled Israel to cause further destruction to Gaza while blocking crucial aid. The American people deserve answers, and the world needs a path to peace for Israelis and Palestinians alike. I’m proud to join 62 of my colleagues in pushing Trump to uphold the Gaza Peace Plan and ensure lasting peace, humanitarian aid, and a path to Palestinian self-determination.”
- Jayapal (D-WA) 8/8/26: X-post w/ video clip – “We cannot ignore what is happening to the Palestinian people. Let their courage and resilience inspire us to demand action from our government. Listen or watch the full episode of my podcast, The Power You Have, on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.”
- Jayapal (D-WA) 8/7/26: X-post w/ video clip – “The genocide in Gaza is not only a product of warfare, but also of hunger and lack of medical care as humanitarian aid continues to stall. Listen to my conversation with Dr. Tanya Shah, a doctor who went to Gaza, on my YouTube channel, or wherever you get your podcasts.”
- McCollum (D-MN) 8/7/26: X-post – “I am outraged by new reporting documenting the abuse of activists who were detained in Israeli custody while trying to bring food and humanitarian aid into Gaza. This cruel treatment is far too common and must stop.” Linked to New York Times article – Seized on Their Way to Gaza, Activists Tell of Abuse in Israeli Custody
- Ramirez (D-IL) 8/7/26: X-post – “In July, I led my colleagues to call out the corruption, mismanagement, and unconstitutionality of Trump’s so-called ‘Board of Peace.’ I am clear: the Board of Peace isn’t about peace or aid; it’s about profit. The future of Palestine must be led and directed by the Palestinian people, not Trump, not Kushner, and not their billionaire friends.”
Defending Israel’s Actions in Gaza
- Sherman (D-CA) 8/7/26: X-post – “Via @JewishChron — ‘How a United Nations study shatters the Gaza starvation narrative‘ Linked to article on the Jewish Chronicle: How a United Nations study shatters the Gaza starvation narrative [NOTE: this argument – which has been widely promoted by the government of Israel and its defenders, has been widely challenged, including here: How Israel Turned a UNICEF Nutrition Survey Into a Weapon of Gaza Genocide Denial and here: Gaza starvation: Why Israel’s supporters are misrepresenting Unicef study]
Islamophobia
- Fine (R-FL) 8/13/26: X-post – “It’s no longer Republicans vs. Democrats. It’s Americans who love this country vs. terrorists who want to destroy it.”
- Fine (R-FL) 8/13/26: X-post – “Hate to break it to Jihadi Mamdani and Ilhan Omar, but America will never be a Muslim country. We were founded on Judeo-Christian principles, and that’s not changing.”
- Roy (R-TX) 8/13/26: X-post – “Republicans must DELIVER on the promises we made to the American people. That means at a minimum: -Codify Trump’s border policies -PAUSE all immigration -Pass SAVE America Act -Fight Sharia Law -Ban congressional stock trading -Pass term limits”
- Self (R-TX) 8/13/26: X-post – “Backyard animal sacrifice is third-world, barbaric behavior that has absolutely no place in America or any civilized society for that matter. BAN SHARIA.”
- Self (R-TX) 8/13/26: X-post – “Islamic foot-washing stations are coming soon to DFW. This isn’t accommodation, it’s conquest. And it’s only the beginning. The Sharia takeover happening right before our eyes must be stopped!”
- Mace (R-SC) 8/12/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Last night was a masterclass in the total collapse of common sense. Minnesota jumped off a cliff re-electing Ilhan Omar and nominating a Bernie bro for the Senate. If we don’t start building a wall around Minnesota soon, it’s going to infect the rest of the country.”
- Fine (R-FL) 8/12/26: X-post – “Muslim groups are using our own government to stack the deck, rewrite the rules, and put their people in power—all on our dime and with outside money. These mainstream Muslims don’t want to be Americans. They want to conquer America. It is time to get serious about the threat and stop it cold. NOW.”
- Mace (R-SC) 8/12/26: X-post consisting of screenshot of post from an account called “Republican Army” reading – “Democrats Think They Are Using Muslims To Usher in Socialism. The Truth Is… Muslims Are Using Democrats To Usher in Radical Islam.”
- Mace (R-SC) 8/11/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Last weekend I offended Pramila Jayapal with my warning words about Islam. When women are r*ped and m*rdered by Iran’s regime, there is no outrage by the Left. There is a real danger with those who sympathize with communism, terrorism, and r*ping of women and girls. I’m exposing Jayapal with her own words. Tonight, I am asking the question no one in Congress wants to answer.”
- Tuberville (R-AL) 8/11/26: X-post – “Radical Islam is a DEATH CULT that’s wants EVERY SINGLE AMERICAN DEAD. BAN SHARIA LAW.”
- Self (R-TX) 8/11/26: X-post – “In 1948, Winston Churchill wrote in The Gathering Storm: ‘If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory is sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory because it is better to perish than to live as slaves.’ As we continue to battle Sharia law and radical Islam, we must remember this quote as we prevail against the invasion—an invasion with every intention of conquering America. This is a long-term fight to protect the rule of law and Western civilization that we MUST win.”
- Cotton (R-AR) 8/10/26: X-post w/ video clip – “Under no circumstances should sworn enemies of the United States come to our country to spread their radical, anti-American views.”
- Mace (R-SC) 8/10/26: X-post – “We cannot coexist with people who want to kill us.”
- Cruz (R-TX) 8/10/26: X-post – “Sharia law is fundamentally incompatible with the Constitution. We should stop pretending the people advancing it are harmless.” Responding to 8/10/26 X-post w/ video clip from Senate Republicans – “At a CAIR event in 2022, Abdul El-Sayed openly defended Sharia Law in the United States. El-Sayed has taken over $115,000 from the foreign terrorist organization CAIR — including from his father-in-law who serves on the CAIR-Michigan board.” [NOTE: CAIR is NOT a US-designated foreign terrorist organization and certainly wasn’t one in 2022]
- Roy (R-TX) 8/10/26: X-post – “Sharia law is a direct threat to our Constitution and way of life. Rep. Roy’s Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act (H.R.5722) would BAN the entry of aliens who adhere to Sharia law. Congress must act quickly before it’s too late for our Republic.”
- Mace (R-SC) 8/9/26: X-post w/ video clip – “You cannot pledge allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and Sharia Law at the same time. One is a roadmap for freedom, the other is a blueprint for tyranny. Islam has no place in Western society.”
- Mace (R-SC) 8/9/26: X-post – “Why are liberal white women traitors to women? They claim to be “liberated,” yet they vote for radical socialists who sympathize with Hamas and take cues from the Ayatollah, regimes where women are treated as property. They prioritize the ‘feelings’ of invaders over the safety of our daughters. They’d rather be called ‘inclusive’ than defend women’s sports and private spaces. Real women protect their own.”
- Fallon (R-TX) 8/8/26: X-post – “Radical Islam is incompatible with Western Civilization.” Responding to post from Senate Republicans 8/7/26: “INSANE: The official website of the Muslim Brotherhood is celebrating Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan. Their article is titled “Abdul Rahman al-Sayyid conquers the Zionists and runs for the Senate” [note: the article appears to be straight reporting, not a celebration of El-Sayed’s win]
- Mace (R-SC) 8/8/26: X-post – “We introduced a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to ban anyone born outside the United States from serving in Congress or as a federal judge. If the President must be born here, so should the rest of our government. There cannot be a question of loyalty. It must be with America. America ONLY.” [with photo of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
- Mace (R-SC) 8/7/26: X-post – “Every single Muslim holding public office in America is a trojan horse, and a threat to both national security and our republic. We refuse to be silent.” Jayapal (D-WA) responded 8/8/26: X-post – “This is absolutely disgusting and dangerous. Republicans must denounce this blatant Islamophobia. To Muslim communities across America: I will always stand with you.” Mace responded to Jayapal, “She’s right. I don’t want to get stabbed or blown up by a suicide bomber – nor do I want to hear the call to prayer five times a day in the United States of America. Total Islamaphobe here.”
- Mace (R-SC) 8/7/26: X-post – “Not even 25 years after Muslim terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers, New York City is being overrun by the very people who want to see this country burn. This is an invasion. There is no other way to put it. Every American who watched this country get attacked on its own soil and said ‘never again’ deserved better than this.”
- Cruz (R-TX) 8/7/26: X-post – “When terrorists are celebrating who your candidate is…it ain’t good.” Responding to post from Senate Republicans 8/7/26: “INSANE: The official website of the Muslim Brotherhood is celebrating Abdul El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan. Their article is titled “Abdul Rahman al-Sayyid conquers the Zionists and runs for the Senate” [note: the article appears to be straight reporting, not a celebration of El-Sayed’s win]
Other
- Jayapal (D-WA) 8/13/26: X-post – “As a Member of the Judiciary Committee, I have been absolutely clear that free speech is a Constitutional right that we must all stand up and protect. I have been communicating my concerns about the cancellation of the Hasan Piker event directly to the University, and they have informed me that they are doing an internal review to ensure this never happens again. I encourage student groups who want to hear from Mr. Piker to work with the University to ensure that they can proceed.” With link to 8/13/26 Seattle Times article – Hasan Piker says UW canceled speaking event because of views on Israel. Goldman (D-NY) responded on X: “As a member of the Judiciary Committee, I too believe in the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. But a university has obligations under Title VI to ensure that its own sanctioned events do not create a hostile environment for any student, including Jewish students [NOTE: pretty sure Goldman would NOT apply this standard to Palestinian students arguing that former IDF soldiers and Israeli officials speaking on campus creates a hostile environment for them…]. Given his repeated and overtly antisemitic (and anti-American) statements, no federally funded university should sanction a platform for Piker to speak.”
- Murphy (D-CT) 8/9/26: X-post w/ video clip – “I will support a bad deal to end this war. Because we need to cut Trump’s hemorrhaging losses now. But the supposed deal on the table pays Iran $100 billion to open the Strait. And no concessions on their nuclear program. What an unmitigated disaster.”
- Murphy (D-CT) 8/7/26: Murphy to Trump: Stop Gaslighting Americans on Iran, Stop Using the War for Your Corrupt Market Manipulation
Israel/AIPAC (and Iran) in US elex & politics – GENERAL
- Jewish Insider 8/14/26: For 2028’s Jewish hopefuls, Israel is the test that decides who’s the ‘right’ kind of Jew
- Real Clear Politics 8/14/26: The Electoral Integrity Issue Isn’t Israel — It’s Islam
- The Diplomat 8/14/26: How Could the Rise of Progressive Democrats Impact US China Policy? [“A divide over China, although less pronounced than the divide over Israel, has become increasingly visible among Democrats as progressives have risen within the party.“]
- Church Times 8/14/26: Paul Vallely: Pro-Israel consensus in United States is fracturing
- New York Times 8/13/26: Inside the D.S.A.’s Audacious Quest for Power in the Democratic Party
- National Public Radio 8/13/26: AIPAC didn’t always spend on campaigns. Now it faces criticism over money in politics
- National Public Radio 8/13/26: Primary voters send mixed signals about what they want from the Democratic Party
- i24 News (Israel) 8/13/26: Anti-Israel progressives benefit from lack of pushback in primaries – analysis [NOT FROM THE ONION]
- Holistic News 8/13/26: Small Groups, Big Politics. How Minorities Gain Influence
- Jewish Insider 8/13/26: Jewish leaders build up local grassroots organizing to counter radical forces in politics [NOT FROM THE ONION]
- New York Times 8/13/26: Moderates See Socialists as a Threat to the Democratic Party. Socialists Agree.
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/12/26: After Michigan, will pro-Israel politics get a ground game? [NOT FROM THE ONION]
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/12/26: The Democratic Party is running out of room for Jews
- Al Jazeera 8/12/26: Trump remarks on diminishing impact of pro-Israel groups in Congress [“Trump claims pro-Israel lobbying groups no longer hold sway in Capitol Hill as they did some 20 years ago.”]
- Vox 8/12/26: How an AIPAC endorsement became a liability
- Philadelphia Jewish Exponent 8/12/26: editorial – The Michigan Warning
- Zeteo 8/12/26: Bernie Sanders Joins Mehdi to Talk Dems, Abdul El-Sayed, AIPAC, and Netanyahu
- The Hill 8/12/26: Democrats’ progressive surge could complicate Jeffries’s path to unity
- Jewish Insider 8/12/26: Socialist speed bump in Wisconsin, but left sweeps other key races
- Sunna Files 8/11/26: After AIPAC: Are the Rules of American Politics Beginning to Change?
- Religion News Service 8/11/26: Islamophobic politics is up front. Pro-Israel politics, not so much.
- The Onion 8/11/26: Spiteful AIPAC Spends $30 Million On Loud Bird Perched Outside Abdul El-Sayed’s Window
- YNet 8/11/26: America First, Israel last: Why opposition to US aid to Israel is gaining ground
- Left Voice 8/11/26: The Democratic Party Establishment Punches Back
- Zeteo 8/11/26: AIPAC Exposed: Mehdi Speaks to Authors of New Book on the Israel Lobby
- Times of Israel 8/11/26: Bernie Sanders urges Democrats to ban ‘corrupt’ AIPAC spending in primaries
- Jewish Currents 8/11/26: The Jewish Establishment Can’t Face Reality [“Cowed by its radical base, a major Jewish organization throws a spin doctor under the bus.”]
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/11/26: Something moved beneath Schumer’s feet [“The longtime New York senator is no longer the guardian of anything, let alone Israel.“]
- Jewish Insider 8/11/26: In four states, a test of the Democratic Party’s leftward drift
- The Forward 8/10/26: What does the DSA actually want? Its national co-chair can’t say.
- Jewish Insider 8/10/26: DSA co-chair calls Oct. 7 attacks ‘largely inevitable,’ says she would have attended Oct. 8 rally
- American Prospect 8/10/26: Super PACs Find It Hard to Shake Partnerships With AIPAC
- New York Times 8/10/26: Inside the Left’s Playbook for Winning Elections
- Jerusalem Post 8/10/26: Bernie Sanders urges Democratic Party to ban AIPAC and super PACs from primaries, pass amendment
- Chicago Tribune 8/10/26: Clarence Page: Time for Democrats to widen their ‘big tent’
- El Pais 8/10/26: Democratic primaries reveal Israel’s waning political influence in the United States
- Washington Post 8/10/26: Eleventh-hour primary upsets muddy the race for control of Congress
- Mondoweiss 8/10/26: Pro-Palestinian advocates won big in Michigan – what comes next?
- Vox 8/10/26: What would actually happen if the US cut off aid to Israel? [“The left is winning the debate on military aid. But changing Israel’s behavior likely requires going further.“]
- The Hill 8/9/26: Murphy says Israel’s government ‘not aligned’ with US national security objectives
- Al-Monitor 8/8/26: As pro-Palestinian candidates gain ground, will AIPAC’s influence wane?
- Washington Examiner 8/8/26: Democrats’ fundraising woes raise questions about whether Jewish donors are pulling back
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/7/26: A man of courage was needed. Instead, American Jews have Schumer
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – California
- Jewish Insider 8/14/26: Bay Area Jewish leaders urge Pelosi to address ally Connie Chan’s anti-Israel rhetoric [“Chan has been accused of using antisemitic rhetoric in her campaign against state Sen. Scott Wiener“]
- Jewish Insider 8/14/26: J Street launches six-figure ad campaign to boost progressive in Swalwell’s former seat
- The Intercept 8/14/26: Has the Left Really Met Its Limit?
- J Street 8/13/26: J Street Action Fund Launches Six-Figure Independent Expenditure Campaign in CA-14 Special Election to Support Aisha Wahab
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/13/26: Ro Khanna attempts to take Israel hostage
- KQED 8/12/26: Aisha Wahab to File FEC Complaint Over Alleged Election Interference in Race for Swalwell Seat [“Groups affiliated with the pro-Israel lobby organization AIPAC have poured millions into attack ads against Wahab, who is campaigning for the vacant East Bay congressional seat formerly held by Eric Swalwell.”]
- Semaphor 8/12/26: Campaign finance violation allegations fly in Swalwell special
- Mercury News 8/12/26: Pro-Israel donors, groups widen backing of Hernandez in congressional race
- Politico 8/12/26: Adam Schiff on Democrats’ ‘losing message,’ AOC and AIPAC
- Politico 8/11/26: Adam Schiff declines to swear off AIPAC support [“The California senator said he would not ‘exclude any person, faith, organization’ as the pro-Israel lobby divides the Democratic party.“]
- ABC News 8/11/26: East Bay congressional race to replace Eric Swalwell heats up between Aisha Wahab, Melissa Hernandez
- San Francisco Chronicle 8/9/26: How the Middle East became an issue in East Bay House race
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Connecticut
- Jerusalem Post 8/13/26: AIPAC-backed candidate John Larson defeated in Connecticut Democratic primary by Luke Bronin
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency 8/12/26: A Democratic upset in Connecticut — but Israel was not a factor
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/11/26: Former Hartford mayor beats AIPAC-endorsed congressman, seeking 15th term, in Connecticut Dem primary
- Jewish Insider 8/10/26: Longtime Connecticut congressman faces primary challenger making generational case for change [“Rep. John Larson, a Democrat, supports continued U.S. aid to Israel, while former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin has said he would not back further offensive aid but does support Iron Dome“]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Florida
- South Floridan Sun Sentinel 8/13/26: Rashida Tlaib’s visit to South Florida to campaign for her colleagues’ challengers sparks controversy
- Mondoweiss 8/13/26: The Shift: One of Congress’s most pro-Israel members is facing strong opposition from an anti-Zionist in Florida
- Fox News 8/12/26: Rashida Tlaib slammed for targeting Jewish House Democrats in Florida primaries: ‘No coincidence’
- Florida Phoenix 8/12/26: The Democratic race for CD 25: Jared Moskowitz vs. Oliver Larkin – Can a progressive beat an establishment Democrat in Florida?
- Florida Politics 8/12/26: Byron Donalds defends Israeli bond investments, but Treasurys now pay more
- Jewish Insider 8/10/26: Rep. Randy Fine campaign sign vandalized with a swastika
- Chronicle Online 8/9/26: Progressive wing tests Florida Democrats in Senate primary
- Florida Politics 8/9/26: Republican CD 1 candidate John Frankman breaks with Donald Trump on Iran, says he’d end U.S. funding for Israel
- Boc Raton Tribune 8/8/26: New Internal Poll Shows Larkin and Moskowitz Locked in Tight Democratic Primary
- Florida Politics 8/8/26: Michael Kirwan wants to regulate AI, repeal tariffs and stop ‘subsidizing’ Israel
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Georgia
- Jewish Insider 8/12/26: Atlanta Jewish Times publisher accuses Ossoff of ‘lying’ about Israel support [“‘Your antagonism toward Israel has remained steadfast,’ Michael Morris wrote. ‘Your vote continues to demonstrate a lack of support for the Jewish state’“]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Hawaii
- CBS News 8/9/26: Rep. Ed Case defeats progressive primary challenger in Hawaii’s 1st District
- Times of Israel 8/9/26: Hawaii congressman defeats anti-Israel progressive upstart in Democratic primary
- Times of Israel 8/8/26: Hawaii primaries pose latest test for Democrats amid party split over Israel
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Maryland
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Michigan
- Jewish Insider 8/14/26: Mike Rogers calibrates Jewish outreach as he builds broad coalition against Abdul El-Sayed
- Haaretz 8/13/26: AIPAC Lashes Out at NYT’s Friedman for Calling on Michigan’s El-Sayed to Challenge pro-Israel Lobby [“Pro-Israel lobby accuses Friedman of amplifying ‘lies’ and ignoring what the lobby sees as El-Sayed’s opposition to Israel as a Jewish state“]
- Jewish Insider 8/13/26: Poll: Mike Rogers holds narrow lead over Abdul El-Sayed in high-stakes Michigan Senate race
- Jewish Currents 8/13/26: A Choice for Liberals in Michigan: Zionism or Fighting Trump?
- Semaphor 8/13/26: El-Sayed’s money challenge raises question for Sanders
- Quartz 8/12/26: Trump calls El-Sayed a “hater” of Jews after Michigan Senate primary win
- Fox News 8/12/26: Jewish Dem defections threaten El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race decided by razor-thin margins
- Middle East Monitor 8/12/26: Anti-Muslim hate targeting Michigan Senate nominee El-Sayed surged after primary win: Study
- Jewish Insider 8/12/26: Haley Stevens defends AIPAC spending in her failed Senate run [“The Democratic congresswoman said AIPAC supporters are ‘good Americans who care about democracy and freedom’”]
- Legal News 8/12/26: Abdul El-Sayed Won a Combative Democratic Nomination for U.S. Senate — He’ll Face More Attacks this Fall
- WDET 8/11/26: The Metro: What Abdul El-Sayed learned from being outspent 11-1 [“More than $60 million in outside money went into last week’s Michigan Senate primary, most of it aimed at stopping him. The largest single source was AIPAC, whose super PAC spent about $30 million backing U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens — the most the pro-Israel group has ever put into a congressional primary.“]
- The Fulcrum 8/11/26:
- Exposed by CMD 8/11/26: How Progressive Will Michigan Voters Go?
- New York Times 8/11/26: El-Sayed’s Winning Path in Michigan
- Washington Free Beacon 8/11/26: Revealed: El-Sayed Proclaimed ‘Obligation’ To Follow Sharia Law Until the Day He Dies [note that the fact that a candidate is religiously observant is generally considered a positive attribute in the US system, so long as the candidate is Christian or Jewish – like Mike Pence, who famously refuses to eat alone with any woman but his wife, or even attend events where alcohol is served without his wife.]
- Arab American Institute/Jim Zogby 8/10/26: El-Sayed’s Win in Michigan Is the Most Consequential Election This Year
- Haaretz 8/10/26: Why Michigan Jews Should Vote Blue This Fall, Despite Very Real Concerns
- The Guardian 8/9/26: ‘Voters are fed up’: Michigan primary forces Democratic party to accept leftwing shift
- Michigan Daily Star 8/9/26: Michigan primary: How standing up to Israeli genocide could win Democrats Congress in November
- Politico 8/9/26: Abdul El-Sayed disavows Hasan Piker’s 9/11 comments
- Washington Post 8/9/26: After bitter primary, El-Sayed faces daunting task of unifying Democrats
- MS Now 8/8/26: Bruised Michigan Democrats pledge unity after divisive primary
- Times of Israel 8/8/26: El-Sayed’s Victory Does Not Bode Well For Israel
- KCBY 8/7/26: El-Sayed win spotlights Democratic divide over Israel, Jewish voters
- New York Post 8/6/26: I’m a longtime Democrat — fighting for GOP’s Mike Rogers, and my party’s soul, in Michigan
- Jewish Currents 8/5/26: General Election Fight Looms After Abdul El-Sayed’s Narrow Win in Michigan
- The Free Press 8/5/26: ‘A Turning Point for Our Nation’: How Abdul El-Sayed Won
- Reuters 8/5/26: Republicans seize on Michigan progressives’ wins, but party is split on socialism message
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Minnesota
- Minnesota Star Tribune 8/13/26: Olson: Flanagan’s quiet strength shatters expectations in DFL Senate primary
- Ballotpedia 8/13/26: Incumbent Ilhan Omar defeated four other candidates in the Democratic primary for Minnesota’s 5th Congressional District on Aug. 11
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency 8/13/26: Minnesota’s Democratic nominee is an Israel critic – but she is not El-Sayed 2.0
- Jerusalem Post 8/12/26: Progressive Democrat Peggy Flanagan defeats AIPAC-backed Angie Craig in Minnesota Senate primary
- National Public Radio 8/12/26: Democratic strategist reflects on Wisconsin and Minnesota primaries
- Minnesota Public Radio 8/12/26: Voters choose Democrat Matt Little to run for competitive Congressional seat
- Liberation News 8/12/26: Flanagan wins big in primary as Minnesotans reject AIPAC and ICE
- Haaretz 8/12/26: Mixed Night for Progressives in Democratic Primaries as pro-Palestinian Candidates Win in Minnesota, Lose in Wisconsin [“Minnesota’s lieutenant governor Peggy Flanagan clinched the Senate nomination in another defeat for Democratic supporters of Israel – and AIPAC, which hosted fundraisers for her rival, Rep. Angie Craig. In Wisconsin, moderate David Crowley narrowly won over democratic socialist Francesca Hong“]
- New York Times 8/11/26: Matt Little, a Progressive, Wins a Democratic House Primary in Minnesota [“Mr. Little, who beat State Representative Kaela Berg and State Senator Matt Klein, centered his candidacy on promises to ban corporate money from politics and support for ‘Medicare for All.’ He was critical of data centers and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee…”]
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/11/26: Progressive who accuses Israel of ‘genocide’ wins Minnesota Dem Senate primary
- Associated Press 8/11/26: Minnesota primary is latest Democratic proxy fight for Senate and a test for Trump-backed hopefuls
- ABC News 8/11/26: Progressive vs. moderate showdown for Senate seat tops Minnesota primaries
- New York Times 8/11/26: In Minnesota, a Moderate Democrat Has a Big Cash Edge Over Her Liberal Rival
- Jewish Telegraphic Agency 8/11/26: Israel and AIPAC on the ballot in the Minnesota Senate and U.S. House races
- Haaretz 8/11/26: ‘AIPAC Is So Toxic You Just Throw It at Your Opponent’: Minnesota Primary Turns on pro-Israel Group
- WPRI 8/10/26: Wisconsin and Minnesota primaries next to feature progressive clash with Democratic establishment
- Jewish Insider 8/10/26: The latest Senate showdown between the center and the left set in Minnesota [“Left-wing Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s anti-Israel message is being complicated by her outreach to AIPAC earlier in the campaign”]
- Jewish Insider 8/10/26: Democratic primary for Craig’s House seat in Minnesota showcases Israel divide within party
- Twin Cities 8/8/26: Centrist Angie Craig, progressive Peggy Flanagan in Tuesday DFL Senate primary
- Minnesota Post 8/7/26: Outside groups fuel bitter Senate race between Peggy Flanagan and Angie Craig
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Missouri
- St Louis American 8/11/26: Primary was a dry run for the November election
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Nevada
- Jewish Insider 8/13/26: Nevada GOP candidate took max-out contribution from ‘Protocols’-promoting activist [“Reached for comment, Flippo’s campaign described the candidate as an ‘an ardent supporter and close ally of the Jewish community,’ noting that he serves as a member of the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership council and that he started a charity after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel to send food to Israelis in need…The Flippo campaign also told JI that his Democratic opponent, former state Rep. Teresa Benitez-Thompson, has ‘given into the rising anti-semitism of her own party by refusing donations from American citizens who support Israel’; Benitez-Thompson has vowed on the campaign trail to reject support from AIPAC and accused Israel of genocide. On her campaign site, she calls for the U.S. to phase out military aid to Israel and to place conditions on any further arms sales to the Jewish state. The Flippo campaign noted that Benitez-Thompson has received donations from a prominent local politician affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America which ‘engages in blood libel by calling Israel’s actions to defend itself genocide, celebrated the October 7th attack, and falsely describes Israel as an apartheid state.'”]
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Hampshire
- AOL 8/11/26: AIPAC’s Donors Seem To Have A Favorite Candidate In A Key Democratic Primary
- WMUR 8/10/26: Chris Pappas braces for primary challenge, says NH is not ‘left-wing’ state
- New Hampshire Public Radio 8/10/26: Pappas says U.S.-Israel relations at turning point, as primary rival blasts AIPAC ties
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New Jersey
- Jewish Insider 8/11/26: N.J. Dem nominee Rebecca Bennett will not endorse Hamawy, campaign says
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – New York
- Politico 8/7/26: Pat Ryan’s Very Cordial Class War
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Ohio
- The American Prospect 8/11/26: Max Miller’s Endless Wars
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Pennsylvania
- The Hill 8/12/26: Fetterman says he won’t campaign against McCormick
- Philly Burbs 8/8/26: Would Fetterman win reelection if primary were held today? He says yes
- Fox News 8/6/26: Fetterman wins praise for ‘guts’ after going toe-to-toe with Jon Stewart over Israel support
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – South Carolina
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/13/26: South Carolina Senator Darline Graham ‘doubles down’ on support for Israel, her office says
- The Forward 8/10/26: South Carolina’s Republican Senate nominee will likely be pro-Israel, but no match for Lindsey Graham
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Tennessee
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/7/26: Congressman who introduced bill to send anti-Israel protesters to Gaza loses primary
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Washington State
- Jewish Insider 8/13/26: Rep. Pramila Jayapal rails against university decision to cancel Hasan Piker speech
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/13/26: Jayapal seems to advise student groups to invite antisemite Hasan Piker after University of Washington nixes official event with him
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Wisconson
- WPRI 8/10/26: Wisconsin and Minnesota primaries next to feature progressive clash with Democratic establishment
Israel/AIPAC in US elex & politics – Wyoming
Other Stuff
- Jewish News Syndicate 8/10/26: Netanyahu’s congressional call for a NATO-style alliance to counter Iran gives way to a Sunni state alliance
- Jewish Insider 8/10/26: Rep. Joe Wilson praises Saudi, Turkey, Pakistan defense pact as Trump ‘achievement’