The fight over foreign aid could be tougher than ever in the upcoming Congress, and Israel’s support on Capitol Hill could be buffeted by the new violence and political upheaval in the region.
Last week the pro-Israel lobby began a preemptive effort to shore up support, especially among African-American members.
Lobbyists for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), concerned about what some see as a gradual erosion of support among members of the Congressional Black Caucus, met with a handful of Washington representatives for leading Jewish groups.

The dinner was $25,000 a plate, but after the last cups of coffee were poured, most diners agreed they had gotten their money’s worth.
The real main course was Sen. Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.), the Democratic vice presidential candidate, and the take at the Baltimore fund-raiser and cocktail reception last week — $975,000 — was almost double what sponsors originally anticipated.
That scene is being repeated all over the country. Joe Lieberman has turned into a kosher cash cow for the Democrats, bringing in millions of dollars to fuel the national ticket.