Sanders blames AIPAC for political silence in Washington over Gaza crisis
WORLD, May 09 (YPA) -US Senator Bernie Sanders has accused the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) of being behind the political silence in Washington regarding what he described as the ‘horrific humanitarian disaster’ unfolding in Gaza, stressing that AIPAC’s influence in election campaigns contributes to paralyzing positions in Congress.
“The catastrophe in Gaza is not discussed much in the US capital or in the halls of Congress because we allow AIPAC to interfere in our election campaigns,” Sanders said during his speech on the Senate floor on Thursday.
He added, “Anyone who votes against Netanyahu’s war on Gaza is targeted by AIPAC for defeat through ads funded with millions of dollars.”
Sanders also criticized fellow lawmakers for remaining publicly silent despite private concerns.
“Many of my colleagues will privately express their horror at Netanyahu’s war crimes, but will do or say very little publicly about it,” he said.
He concluded by saying, ‘Unfortunately, I admit that AIPAC’s political corruption succeeds in Washington, and my colleagues are afraid, but they do nothing about it.
AIPAC is considered the most powerful lobbying organization influencing US-Israeli relations.
It exerts pressure on American institutions to secure financial support for Israel and plays a significant role in Congress and across US electoral politics concerning Washington’s ties with Tel Aviv.
@E.Y.M