The New York Times is drawing criticism for its description of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as a "hard-right pro-Israel lobbying group." The characterization appeared in the Times' report on a recent House of Representatives vote on a bill to cut military and humanitarian aid to Israel.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., ultimately failed but received majority support among Democratic lawmakers, with 103 Democrats voting in favor and 98 against. Massie was the sole Republican to vote for the measure.

In its coverage, The New York Times noted that an increasing number of Democrats have stated they will no longer accept donations from AIPAC, which has historically supported both Democrats and Republicans who advocate for the U.S.-Israel alliance. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., who is running for Senate, was cited as one of those who has pledged not to accept AIPAC funding.

Critics, including commentators and media figures, took to social media to question the Times' phrasing. John Podhoretz, editor of Commentary Magazine, challenged the reporter on Twitter, asking for a defense of calling AIPAC a "hard-right lobbying group" when its staff is perceived by some to be largely Democratic. New York Post columnist Karol Markowicz expressed a wish that AIPAC were "hard right," while Joel Pollak, opinion editor for Breitbart News, described AIPAC as "left-center squishes" and suggested that viewing Israel's self-defense as "extreme" is what makes the group appear "hard right."

Jewish Insider editor-in-chief Josh Kraushaar commented that the description reflects a disconnect from reality, noting that "most pro-Israel Jews are Democrats."

AIPAC, founded in 1954, states its mission is to "encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel." The organization also states it helps "elect Democrats and Republicans who support the alliance."

Historically, prominent Democrats have participated in AIPAC's annual Policy Conference. Figures such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and former Vice President Joe Biden (via video) spoke at the March 2020 conference. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., spoke at the 2019 conference. Notably, Pelosi voted in favor of the recent bill to cut aid to Israel, while Jeffries voted against it.

In the current political climate following the Oct. 7 attacks, support for Israel has reportedly declined among Democrats while remaining strong among Republicans. Anti-Israel advocates have increasingly targeted AIPAC, sometimes promoting narratives that the organization buys influence, despite its operation by American citizens who support Israel.

The New York Times and AIPAC did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.