Demokratische Illusionen: Elitäre Einheit über Israel

tims and obfuscation when it comes to the issue of Israel-Palestine? The answer lies in the influence of the pro-Israel lobby and the power of campaign donations in shaping political behavior.

The pro-Israel lobby, as detailed by scholars like Mearsheimer and Walt, wields significant influence in US politics. It mobilizes quickly against critics of Israeli policies and cuts across party lines. Political donations, which are the lifeblood of politics in the US, allow the capitalist class to set the boundaries of acceptable political behavior. While parties may not receive direct orders from the bourgeoisie, they understand what topics are out of bounds for discussion or legislation.

For example, the issue of single-payer universal healthcare, despite having support from supermajorities of Democrats in states like New York and California, is never brought up for a vote. This is because it goes against the interests of the capitalist class, which includes the healthcare industry. Similarly, there is no significant industry bloc that supports Palestinian liberation movements like BDS. Most industries are either indifferent to US foreign policy towards Israel or actively supportive due to the profit to be made.

In this context, political parties are seen as quasi-state institutions that articulate the demands of the capitalist class and serve the interests of the US as a global hegemon. This requires maintaining alliances, investing in the military-industrial complex, and securing client states. As a result, parties are limited in their ability to articulate positions contrary to the interests of their donors and the imperial state.

Therefore, the near unity within the Democratic and Republican parties on support for Israel can be understood as a reflection of the influence of the pro-Israel lobby and the power of campaign donations. The opinions of the average voter, even if they align with the majority who support a ceasefire and condemn Israeli aggression, have virtually zero impact on legislation and policies. The interests of the capitalist class and the maintenance of US imperial power take precedence over the will of the voters

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Democratic Illusions: Elite Unity on Israel

Photograph Source: U.S. Embassy Tel Aviv – CC BY 2.0 A very strange vision for these uncertain times appeared on stage in Washington, DC on Nov. 14: House Speaker Mike Johnson joined hands with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They stood together, along with Sen. Jodi Ernst, to celebrate Israel’s genocidal war on and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians in Gaza. The handholding underlines the lack of daylight between bourgeois parties at each other’s throats in this era of partisan polarization. An eerie understanding arises that perhaps the last unifying force in America is not just war, but war crimes. Awash in media that portrays the political leadership of the United States as mortal enemies

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