The Gaza conflict has become a central theme in the upcoming US presidential campaign. On one side, pressure mounts for President Joe Biden to secure a ceasefire in a war that has already claimed more than 30,000 lives. On the other, with approval ratings sagging, Biden’s campaign—heavily funded by pro-Israel lobbies—needs more liquidity than ever to counter Donald Trump, the likely opponent at the ballot box.
The United States hosts the largest Jewish population outside Israel, roughly six million people who represent about 2% of the electorate. Yet the power of the Jewish community in American elections is measured not just in votes but in tens of millions of dollars poured into campaigns and committees.
Although Biden has toughened his rhetoric toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the US continues military aid to Israel. The reasons are geopolitical—Israel remains a key ally in the Middle East—but domestic considerations also loom large, according to Tariq Kenney-Shawa, a political researcher focused on US-Israel relations. Biden has apparently decided that angering the pro-Israel lobby is a bigger political risk than alienating Arab, Palestinian, and progressive voters in the United States.
Influence of AIPAC
Support for Israel spans the political spectrum and has long been a constant in White House politics. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, is widely regarded as the most influential lobby in the country and played a significant role in shaping political outcomes in 2016. In the most recent cycle, about 5.4 million dollars donated by AIPAC supporters was divided between both major parties, reflecting a balanced approach to influence in a highly polarized environment.
AIPAC has invested heavily in shaping Democratic primaries, contributing to the selection of Joe Biden in 2020. The lobby cites a recently altered legal framework that permits unlimited money to be donated to parties and candidates through entities now known as Super PACs. Political observers anticipate continued activity in 2024 to back candidates aligned with its goals. OpenSecrets notes that the fundraising landscape has shifted toward larger, independent expenditures following the removal of contribution caps, with private investors driving much of the funding.
OpenSecrets, a watchdog based in Washington, tracks campaign finance and lobbying data. Among the 25 largest political donors, a majority identify as Jewish, a factor that places added scrutiny on Biden amid the current Gaza backdrop. This dynamic underscores the delicate political tightrope in Washington as the conflict unfolds.
George Soros
The largest funder in recent cycles has been George Soros, who escaped Nazi occupation in Hungary and later became known for a pivotal currency trade that helped him amass wealth. Soros has contributed hundreds of millions to Democratic causes over the years and has publicly urged for a ceasefire and a two-state solution. He has also supported pro-Palestinian groups with significant gifts.]
Michael Bloomberg, founder of a major news organization and a former New York City mayor, condemned Hamas’s attacks and urged greater U.S. military assistance to Israel. Bloomberg backed Biden in the 2020 primaries and later donated substantial sums to the party.
The main Republican donors have also weighed in on Israel during the current crisis. Kenneth Griffin, the founder of a major hedge fund, paused some university gifts after student activism shifted attention to pro-Palestinian causes. Stephen Schwarzman of Blackstone redirected some of his giving away from a large university grant to fund Israel-related efforts in October. Silicon Valley, meanwhile, shows a preference for the Democrats, exemplified by Reid Hoffman of LinkedIn, who has also used part of his wealth to oppose progressive lawmakers who opposed military aid to Israel.
Public Opinion Polarized
All told, campaign fundraising in this cycle has faced delays, as both camps scramble for cash. Trump has spent heavily in defense-related legal actions, while Biden aims to protect his public image amid a broad sense that the country is deeply involved in the Gaza crisis. The Democratic strategy hinges on raising money and maintaining a favorable narrative in the face of a relentless partisan campaign against him, with critics pointing to age and a perceived weak leadership as contributing factors.
Public opinion appears deeply divided. A Chicago Council on Global Affairs poll suggests the country is no longer simply debating the merits of supporting or opposing Israel; it reflects a broader social split. Among Republicans, a majority favor backing Israel, while among Democrats, a majority express caution about active involvement. Analysts emphasize that this is less about religious lines and more about how Americans perceive national interest and moral responsibility during a humanitarian and geopolitical storm.