American domestic political battle turns into a war between Jewish lobbyists in the US Democratic Party | Israel Today

Not only in Israel, the political system is stretching ahead of crucial elections, but also in the United States: On November 8, a week after Israeli citizens go to the polls, Americans will complete the "midterm elections," in which senators, governors, prosecutors, officials and members of Congress are elected .

But in many cases, the identity of the House members who win will be expected long in advance.

Not because the election is addictive, but because the political composition in the vast majority of constituencies is known in advance.

In recent years, the two parties have redrawn, usually by agreement, the boundaries of counties in many U.S. states. New district maps sometimes seem very strange, and the reason is that political considerations have shaped them.

Both before and after the redistricting, there is almost certain knowledge in most counties as to whether the winner will be Democratic or Republican.

Therefore, the identity of the Member of Congress in the districts where the race is open is not determined on Election Day, but in the primaries, the "primaries," which in these weeks culminate.

Adam votes in Maryland primary, today, Photo: AP

These internal elections are very important to Israel, especially on the democratic side, since on the Republican side of the map almost all members of Congress are staunch supporters of the Jewish state, and therefore there is nothing to worry about.

The Democrats, on the other hand, have a group of activists and elected officials who are hostile to Israel.

Last summer, the Democratic leadership was forced to carry out a circumvention exercise against the extremist group in order to obtain funding for the Iron Dome.

This trauma, as well as other difficult steps by Rashida Talib, Ilhan Omer, Andy Levin and others, has not been forgotten by the memory of Israel's supporters in the Democratic Party - and there are, as it were, even many.

Therefore, they are taking advantage of these days in places where results can be obtained to promote pro-Israel candidates and to push out Israeli opponents.

One of the most interesting battles is taking place right today (Tuesday) in the Fourth District of the State of Maryland.

Two prominent candidates came to the Democratic finish line: former Congresswoman Donna Edwards and former Justice Department man Glenn Ivy.

Which of them will win tonight, will most certainly be a member of the House of Representatives, as the district is "painted blue" - the color of the Democrats.

Both hold progressive-liberal positions, so there is a significant issue that distinguishes them: the attitude toward Israel.

During her years in Congress, Edwards abstained from three critical votes that dealt with Israel's right to self-defense, or even called for a settlement of the conflict with the Palestinians in negotiations.

In the indices of the Jewish community, this is a sign of great hostility to Israel, which has mobilized the mainstream of the community against it - and there are influential Jews in the district in question.

Former Congresswoman Donna Edwards, in 2014, Photo: AP

Ivy, who has no anti-Israel record, is therefore strongly supported by Israeli supporters, including AIPAC and the "Democratic Majority for Israel" lobby, who have invested at least $ 5.5 million in his race. Who to support.

"We are sending the message that will be most effective in motivating voters," Mark Melman, the head of the Democratic Majority Lobby for Israel, one of the most respected political experts in the United States and who also serves as a pollster and close adviser to Prime Minister Yair Lapid, told Rolkal online magazine.

But there are not only Ivy supporters of Jews, but also AdWords.

Against AIPAC's millions, the J Street lobby, which defines itself as pro - Israel, funds ads and advertisements for those who, as a member of Congress, did not support Israel's security.

Today is the big day - ELECTION DAY!

Hope to see you all out there.

Not sure where to go?

Check out the Board of Elections website: https://t.co/tqyEkskGef #TeamIveyMD #GlennIveyMD #PrimaryElections #VoteMD pic.twitter.com/FWVPZ8Llgi

- Glenn Ivey (@glenniveymd) July 19, 2022

Thus, an internal American political battle in one of the 435 counties in America becomes a head-to-head battle between Jewish lobbyists within the Democratic Party.

This is not the first confrontation between the teams nor the last.

On August 2, even more fierce fighting is expected in several counties in Michigan and other states.

Not only will there be a confrontation between the two parties, but also between Israel's supporters and its opponents in the Democratic Party.

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