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This conversation centers on Israel, lobbying, and US policy. Speaker 0 says he’s been very pro Israel and defender of its right to defend itself, but has 'no skin whatsoever in defending any lobbyist group,' and has declined repeated invitations to go to Israel. He notes mounting pressure to stay aligned and that he’s not on Hamas’ side, though his views have shifted since 10/08/23. Speaker 1 explains APAC is 'not registered under FARA' and describes freshman trips to Israel, meetings with government members. He notes that '3.8, billion dollars in funding for Israel' is an annual decision, that Israel is 'less than 400,000,000,000 in debt,' and that Israelis have 'government funded health care' and 'government funded college.' He questions why the US funds this given its own economic strain, citing that 'we buy money from your defense contractors' and that Israel can buy from Israeli defense contractors.

Speaker 0 explains that not all Republicans are registered with APAC, and that many colleagues would vote with him if not for political backlash back home. He says some Republicans tell him, “that’s wrong what APAC is doing to you,” and they want to talk to their APAC person. He notes that nearly everyone except him has an APAC person, which he likens to a babysitter who is always talking to you for APAC. When these members are in DC, they lunch with their APAC contacts, who have their cell numbers and keep conversations going. He mentions that four members of Congress have said they’ll talk to their APAC person to try to get ads dialed back. He questions why this isn’t more widely known, arguing that it benefits nobody for constituents to know they have a “buddy system with somebody who represents a foreign country.” Speaker 1 asks what APAC is, and Speaker 0 explains the concept further, noting that the APAC person is connected to the congressman and that this dynamic exists on the Republican side. He says the APAC person is embedded in the caucus presence, and that conversations with them occur when members come to DC. He remarks that this arrangement is not beneficial for public disclosure, so members don’t tell their constituents about it. Speaker 1 asks if any other country does anything similar. Speaker 0 responds emphatically that they do not: “Not only do they not have a Putin guy. Look. They don’t they they don’t have a Britain guy. They don’t have an Australian guy. They don’t have a Germany dude.” He asserts that APAC is the only country with someone who uniformly matches a congressman to an APAC contact, and that there is likely a spreadsheet at APAC mapping the APAC contact to the congressman’s votes on issues. He adds that APAC pays for trips for congressmen and their spouses to go to Israel; he notes he may not be the only Republican who hasn’t taken the APAC Israel trip, but he’s among a minority who hasn’t yet. Speaker 1 asks about the trip, and Speaker 0 describes it as “vacationy,” including visits to the Western Wall and other sites, and mentions swimming in the Dead Sea. Speaker 1 comments that Israel is a great country and that Jerusalem is wonderful, but clarifies that this appreciation is distinct from the government of Israel and its politics. Speaker 0 agrees that Israelis are entrepreneurial and publicly minded, and Speaker 1 shares a personal fondness for Israel, praising the country and its people, while noting the difference between the people and the government. Speaker 1 and Speaker 0 discuss their affection for Israel, with Speaker 1 distinguishing his personal love of the place from political influence, and both agreeing that Israel is a special place, with Speaker 0 emphasizing the distinction between people and government.

They're not registered. He explains Republicans tell him they'd vote with him but "would just take too much flack back home," and that "everybody but me has an APAC person"—an "APAC babysitter" embedded with a congressman. He notes four members said they'll talk to their APAC person to "dial those ads back." He asks why this isn't more widely known, saying "It doesn't benefit anybody. Why would they wanna tell their constituents that they've basically got a buddy system with somebody who's representing a foreign country?" He contends "it's the only country that does this" with an APAC liaison; "they pay for trips for congressmen and their spouses to go to Israel," describing the trip as "vacationy"—seeing the wall and the Dead Sea. The dialog contrasts love of Israel with "the government of Israel" and ends with "That's a completely different thing from taking orders from its government."

A reporter from the Stue Peters Network repeatedly asks members of congress whether they care more about the American people or Israel. One congressman says Israel is a strong ally and needs US support. The reporter asks if the US should continue funding Israel despite its links to 9/11 and the attack on the USS Liberty, and claims that APAC money is flowing into Congress. Another representative compares the question to asking if he loves his wife more than his daughter, stating they are different loves. He does not answer directly. One congressman states he cares more about the American people, making him the first to give that answer. The reporter asks if APAC should register as a foreign agent, claiming it is pumping hundreds of thousands of dollars into congressional candidates and promoting an Israel-first policy.

Speaker 1 believes the Jewish lobby in the United States is too powerful, even for the interests of Israel, because they pressure too many people. They have many means at their disposal to pressure people. The President of the United States pays attention to the lobby because they are strong and control many things, including newspapers, media, banks, and finances. Speaker 1 believes the Jewish community in the United States is powerful enough to make the media reflect their view of foreign policy.

Speaker 0 argues that Israel, through its lobby, has manifested so much power over the United States Congress that the country is embroiled in wars they believe they should not be in. He states that whenever Israel is mentioned, someone claims you’re an anti-Semite, and he contends that policies in the Middle East have been one-sided and subjective, leading to many enemies and the importing of terrorists as a consequence. He asserts: “Israel through their lobby has manifested total power of the congress of the United,” and expresses a concern that taxpayers and the citizens of the United States should control their government, not a foreign entity. Speaker 1 challenges these assertions, saying: “You did. That’s not what you said. You said they’re controlling our foreign policy. They’re controlling our domestic policy.” He presses back, stating: “That quote, they are influencing and the sole control of influencing of our domestic policy is an absurdity. It sounds like you are a kook.” He explicitly disputes the idea that Israel controls the Congress and domestic policy. Speaker 0 clarifies, “I believe they control the senate and the house foreign affairs committee.” Speaker 1 repeats that claim as insane, prompting Speaker 0 to insist: “I’m not suggesting it. I served in congress for seven…,” implying a longer service and experience to support his concerns, though the sentence is cut off. The exchange centers on claims of disproportionate Israeli influence in U.S. federal policy, the objectivity of Middle East policy, and the contention that foreign lobbies, particularly related to Israel, have undue power over congressional decision-making, contrasted with direct rebuttals labeling such claims as irrational or insane.

Speaker 1 acknowledges that intelligence sharing between the U.S. and Israel is not total and that allies spy on each other, including domestically. Speaker 1, identifying as conservative, says this is expected because people act in their rational self-interest. Speaker 0 asks if it is in America's interest for Israel to spy on the U.S., including on the president. Speaker 1 responds that the close alliance with Israel provides huge benefits to the U.S. Speaker 0 presses on the issue of spying, asking why an American lawmaker wouldn't tell a client state that spying on the U.S. is not allowed. Speaker 0 expresses that it is weird not to say that, but Speaker 1 seems unable to.

Two speakers discuss U.S. policy on Israel, lobbying, and domestic politics. Speaker 0 says she’s pro-Israel and defender of Israel’s right to defend itself and of American Jews on campuses, but has no loyalty to any lobby group and has refused trips to Israel. She notes rising pressure to stay in a stance, saying, 'you're not allowed to' move off the lily pad. Speaker 1 explains APAC’s influence in Washington: 'APAC takes every single that they can, freshman, member of Congress, their first year... they take them on a very special trip to Israel' and that Israel receives '3.8 billion dollars in funding for Israel' annually, with an exception allowing purchases from Israeli defense contractors. He contrasts Israel’s economy with the U.S. debt and asks why Americans fund Israel. They emphasize America First, say 'any anti Israel people are welcome here,' and mention Judge McFadden's flag ruling about Israel.

Speaker 0 questions Speaker 1's focus on defending Israel, suggesting it represents foreign influence in US politics. Speaker 1 accuses Speaker 0 of singling out Israel and implying Jewish control over foreign policy, labeling it an antisemitic trope. Speaker 0 denies antisemitism, stating the concern is about a foreign government's influence, not Jews or Judaism. Speaker 1 challenges Speaker 0 to provide another reason for focusing on Israel. Speaker 0 cites the potential for war with Iran and Speaker 1's stated goal of defending Israel upon entering Congress. Speaker 0 asserts that a lawmaker's job isn't to defend any foreign government's interests, regardless of ancestry, and condemns the antisemitism accusation.

Speaker 1 stated that the Congress of the United States is like an Israeli occupied territory because of the influence of the pro-Israel lobby, which is one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington. They believe that the automatic votes for aid to Israel may not always be in the national interest of the United States. Speaker 1 also mentioned that members of Congress often vote in favor of powerful lobbies because they cannot withstand the pressure. When asked why they singled out the pro-Israel lobby, Speaker 1 explained that it was in response to a specific question about Israeli aid.

Speaker 0 questions Speaker 1's focus on defending Israel, suggesting it represents foreign influence over US politics. Speaker 1 accuses Speaker 0 of obsessing over Israel and implying Jewish control of foreign policy, which Speaker 0 denies. Speaker 0 refutes being antisemitic, stating the concern is with a foreign government's influence, not Jewish people. Speaker 0 points out Speaker 1's stated goal to defend Israel upon entering Congress. Speaker 0 asserts that a lawmaker's job isn't to defend foreign governments, and accuses Speaker 1 of being "sleazy" for implying antisemitism. Speaker 1 questions why Speaker 0 is only asking about Israel. Speaker 0 reiterates that the issue concerns a foreign government, not Jewish people.

Speaker 0: "Israel operates the most powerful lobby in congress" (APAC), and "through control of congress, Israel demands and gets nearly $5,000,000,000 annually." It claims "No elected official dares criticize Israel" for fear "the Jewish lobby will accuse him of antisemitism, the kiss of death for any politician," and that "the president also knows what Israel wants, Israel gets." It states "The mass media founded and controlled primarily by Jews manipulates the spigot of information out of which Heartland America drinks" and that "if you criticize Israel, you are antisemitic." "Keep your head down, or you are fair game for being knocked off by the Zionist shooting gallery." Speaker 1: "our president and elected officials are slaves to political correctness when it comes to Jews and Israel." They "cannot seriously criticize Israel," cannot end aid to Israel, and "cannot even protest Zionist control of congress."

"Israel is the only country I know of that has some sort of incredible influence and control over nearly every single one of my colleagues." "Because APAC are Americans, therefore, they can legally donate to members of congress and senators." "Freshman, member of congress, or first year in congress, they take them on a very special trip to Israel in August." "That's Dems the and Republicans or just Republicans? They take both of them. Yes." "So they take them on this trip to Israel." "They wear the, kippah." "They and even though they're Christians. They're they're not Jewish, but yet they're adorning, Jewish attire, and they're at these Jewish, religious sites." "The Israeli government is secular." "This is not the biblical Israel." "It is the secular government of Israel."

Speaker 0: "I'm very pro Israel" and "defensive of their right to defend themselves," but "I have absolutely no skin whatsoever in defending any lobbyist group, including AIPAC" and asks, "what they do to get the loyalty of politicians." She refuses outreach to visit Israel, wanting to "cover this conflict from here" and insisting she is not "on Hamas" side. Speaker 1: "'APAC is not registered under FARA' and explains lobbying tactics: taking freshmen on 'a very special trip to Israel,' inviting 'influencers,' and that Israel receives '3.8 billion dollars in funding for Israel.' He notes 'Israel is the only democracy in The Middle East' and says Israel can 'use that money to buy from Israeli defense contractors' instead of American ones. He cites Judge McFadden on flag-burning and says, 'We don't have time to fund what you're doing.' Ad: 'text m k to the number 989898.'

Speaker 0 raises a question about accountability for Israel and mentions Jeffrey Epstein’s dealings with Mossad. Speaker 1 asks, without specifics, whether there are forces that tried to influence him to stop what he’s doing now. Speaker 0 responds that they wouldn’t vote for foreign aid and foreign war funding, and they were upset because he said no. He states: “I’m not voting to fund the Ukraine war ever,” and “Israel’s doing just fine. We don’t need to give them a penny, not a single penny, nor do we need to give it to any other country, but they get mad at me for that.”

The speaker describes meeting with prime minister Netanyahu as part of a Christian conservative Gen Z focus group, noting that Netanyahu listened attentively and heard their concerns. "APAC is not an Israeli organization. It has no ties whatsoever to the government of Israel. It's not foreign lobbying." "APAC, like, makes up less than 5% of the lobbying." "Israel is not offering to fund anybody. They're not trying to get involved in American political advocacy groups. That has never happened." "If you're about this, who you should be concerned about is Qatar because they are doing this." "Many of these protests slash riots that you see destroying our cities, a lot of that has foreign funding from Qatar." "Netanyahu's first address to congress was to say that they didn't want aid."

Speaker 0 believes the Jewish lobby in the United States is too powerful, even for Israel's interests, because they pressure too many people. This pressure, exerted through various means, ultimately doesn't help Israel. The president of the United States pays attention to this lobby because they are strong and control many things. When asked to elaborate on what they control, Speaker 0 lists newspapers, media, banks, and finances. Speaker 1 expresses surprise and asks if Speaker 0 really believes the Jewish community in the United States is that powerful.

The discussion centers on US support for Israel, with Speaker 0 stating that the US provides Israel with $3 billion annually in military aid, which benefits US national security through intelligence sharing, particularly from Mossad. Speaker 1 questions the cost of military actions to protect Israel and whether Israel spies on the US, including the president. Speaker 0 acknowledges that allies spy on each other and defends the alliance with Israel as beneficial for the US. The conversation shifts to AIPAC, with Speaker 1 questioning whether it lobbies on behalf of the Israeli government and why it isn't registered as a foreign lobby. Speaker 0 denies this, stating that AIPAC is an American lobby that promotes a strong US-Israeli relationship. Speaker 1 suggests AIPAC's goals are shaped by the Israeli government, while Speaker 0 denies coordination and accuses Speaker 1 of being obsessed with Israel. Speaker 1 denies being anti-Semitic and defends their right to question foreign influence on US politics.

A reporter from the Stue Peters Network repeatedly asks members of congress whether they care more about the American people or Israel. One congressman says Israel is a strong ally and needs US support, while another compares the question to asking if he loves his wife or daughter more. The reporter asks if the US should continue funding Israel despite alleged links to 9/11 and the attack on the USS Liberty, and suggests that APAC money influences congress. One congressman says he cares more about the American people, making him the first to give that answer. The reporter asks if APAC should register as a foreign agent.

Speaker 1 believes that the Jewish lobby in the United States has too much power, even for the interests of Israel. They claim that the lobby pressures and controls various aspects, including newspapers, media, banks, and finances. Speaker 0 questions why the president would pay attention to this lobby if it is true. Speaker 1 confirms that they believe the Jewish community influences the media's view on foreign policy, although not all newspapers are biased. Speaker 0 mentions the New York Times and Washington Post, suggesting they may have a bias. Speaker 1 suggests analyzing all articles to draw a conclusion. They also mention that the networks have less influence.

Speaker 1 acknowledges that while intelligence is shared between the U.S. and Israel, it is likely not all intelligence. They also assume that allies, including Israel, spy on the U.S., and vice versa. Speaker 1 states that conservatives recognize people act in their own self-interest. Speaker 0 asks if it is in America's interest for Israel to spy on the U.S., including on the president. Speaker 1 responds that the close alliance with Israel provides huge benefits to the U.S. Speaker 0 asks why Speaker 1 won't say that Israel is not allowed to spy on the U.S. and that they don't want to be spied on.

Tempers flared at the National Press Club in Washington DC after Alison Weir, president of the Council for the National Interest Foundation (CNIF), was involved in an incident where an advocate knocked a camera from her hands during a pro-Israeli conference that followed a CNIF press conference on what they call unjustifiable USA to Israel. The two events occurred in the same room, illustrating heightened tensions over America's relationship with Israel. CNIF asserts that Americans should know how much of their tax dollars go to Israel, claiming $3,000,000,000,000 in aid, including a massive amount of direct money and many hidden costs. The group alleges that Israel receives substantial aid and special treatment because the US Congress is controlled by APAC, America’s pro-Israel lobby. Executive director Philip Giraldi states that Israel spends a lot of money on US elections. Speaker 1 notes that there are many Israeli PACs, and they give a lot of money very selectively to congressmen they want to support. CNIF contends that many members of Congress fear retaliation in their reelection campaigns if they do not align with Israel. Speaker 1 adds that if a congressman crosses the Israel lobby by voting against aid for Israel or against legislation Israel favors, the next campaign cycle often features a well-funded opposing candidate. Philip Giraldi, a former CIA counterterrorism expert, questions why America provides aid to Israel, arguing that Israel conducts more espionage for profit against the US than any other US-friendly country. He claims that they steal military technology and information useful for telecommunications. Retired lieutenant colonel Karen Kotowski, who works at the Pentagon, contends that Israel receives preferential treatment and that “We do not question what the Israelis want.” Kotowski suggests that America is increasingly paying attention to US foreign policy in the Middle East, influenced in part by tough economic times. More Americans want to know where their hard-earned tax dollars are going and why. Rhonda Pence, reporting for Press TV in Washington, closes the segment, highlighting the juxtaposition of the CNIF event with the pro-Israel conference and the ensuing tensions over US aid and policy toward Israel.

Speaker 0 discusses the pressure being exerted by a powerful lobby, suggesting it won't benefit Israel. Speaker 1 questions why the US president pays attention to this lobby, to which Speaker 0 responds that they control various aspects, including newspapers and finances. Speaker 1 probes further, asking if the Jewish community influences media coverage on foreign policy. Speaker 0 clarifies that while not all media outlets are affected, some newspapers reflect their views. Speaker 1 mentions the Jewish ownership of the New York Times and asks if it is biased on topics like Zionism and US-Arab relations. Speaker 0 suggests analyzing all relevant articles to draw a conclusion, deferring to a computer for an answer.

Speaker 0: Do we need this connection with Israel? What is it? No one ever explains what it's for. I feel like. Right? That would help everybody have a much better understanding, you know, because it starts to feel like America is just a shell company, an LLC for Israel. That's what it starts to feel like a lot of times, you know? Do you feel like that that's realistic, or do you feel like that that's off base? Speaker 1: I would I wouldn't send them a dime. Like, that's my position. I don't think whatever we're getting isn't worth it.

Speaker 0 expresses the belief that as long as Israel exists and is supported by America, there will always be Muslims who pose a threat and seek to harm us. Speaker 1 disagrees, stating that they do not support Israel and do not believe it is worth American lives or dollars. Speaker 0 questions this stance, arguing that Israel is not comparable to other countries like Saudi Arabia. Speaker 1 clarifies that their main concern is the survival of the United States and expresses concern about the influence of APAC and the lobby on American support for Israeli actions.