AIPAC unleashes ads targeting US senators opposing arms sales to Israel

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) have launched a massive ad campaign against US senators who recently voted to block billions in arms sales to Israel.

The pro-Israel lobby group launched its six-figure ad campaign on Wednesday, targeting the 15 senators that voted earlier this month in supporting resolutions introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont to block $8.8 billion in heavy bombs to Israel.

"Bernie Sanders is jeopardising the safety and security of the Jewish state as it fights a seven-front war against Iran and Iranian-backed terrorists," AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittman said in a statement to news outlets.

"These ads will educate constituents of the senators who voted with Bernie Sanders to undermine America's partnership with our democratic ally," he added.

The ads, which are being aired in 11 states, say that the senators voted to weaken a US ally. AIPAC have ramped up their efforts in recent years to try to oust elected officials critical of Israel.

Sanders, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, has introduced multiple Senate resolutions to prevent US weapons transfers to Israel. Though he hasn't managed to gain majorities to pass these resolutions, the number of senators supporting his initiatives has grown.

The Vermont senator has long been critical of unconditional US military support for Israel. Since the outbreak of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023, he has increased his efforts to get more senators to condition their support for Israel.

Last week, he gave a passionate floor speech in which he raised his concerns about AIPAC's targeting of those who vote against Israel's war on Gaza.

"If you're a Democrat, you have to worry about the billionaires who fund AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee," he said in his prepared remarks.

"If you vote against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his horrific war in Gaza, AIPAC will punish you with millions of dollars in advertisements to see that you're defeated," he said.

A week later, AIPAC is targeting Democratic senators. In these ads, they are taking on their targets by emphasising bipartisan US support for Israel, showing the importance of both parties' support for Israel.