Syria vote tests pro-Israel groups’ growing influence in America

Of all the interests backing President Barack Obama’s call for Congress to authorise military strikes on Syria, perhaps none is more concerned about the prospect of a ‘no’ vote than America’s pro-Israel lobby, which is finding it difficult to overcome widespread opposition to the use of force.

Considered to be some of the most influential lobbyists on Capitol Hill, officials with several pro-Israel groups say they are running into rare resistance from lawmakers, even among staunch Israel advocates on whose support they could almost unquestionably count in the past. 

The administration has sought and won support for the vote from most of the major pro-Israel groups that traditionally have been most effective in promoting legislation to enhance Israel’s security. 

Among those that have released public statements and made private calls to lawmakers to urge them to vote ‘yes’ are The American-Israeli Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, the Anti-Defamation League and the Simon Wiesenthal Center. ‘There is no question that it is very challenging,’ said an official from one, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak publicly on behalf of the organization. ‘It is an extremely challenging environment right now.’ 

The crux of their argument is that inaction will undermine American credibility in limiting the development and use of weapons of mass destruction with a direct impact on Israel’s security, particularly as it relates to Iran and its nuclear program. 

Israel regards Iran as an existential threat, and preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons is its primary national security concern. Iran says its program is for peaceful purposes. 

Lobbyists also acknowledge that a US military strike could risk Israel becoming a retaliatory target of Syrian-backed Hezbollah or other groups acting on Assad’s behalf. But they say that risk is smaller than the risk of letting Assad go unpunished. 

‘This critical decision comes at a time when Iran is racing toward obtaining nuclear capability,’ AIPAC said in its statement. 

‘Failure to approve this resolution would weaken our country’s credibility to prevent the use and proliferation of unconventional weapons and thereby greatly endanger our country’s security and interests and those of our regional allies.’