American conservatives, including prominent voices within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement, are increasingly questioning the United States’ longstanding support for Israel, centred on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the open debate over the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups. In response, the “Israel First” faction is reportedly stoking Islamophobia, resurrecting old conspiracy theories like the “Muslim Brotherhood threat” and “Sharia law takeover,” as a strategy to distract from shifting public opinion, according to The New Arab’s analysis by Ismail Allison, National Communications Manager at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
The New Face of Islamophobia
The past three years of violence in Gaza have prompted a generational realignment, with younger conservatives expressing skepticism toward unconditional U.S. military aid for Israel and criticizing the government’s role in regional conflicts. The New Arab op-ed attributes the recent surge in anti-Muslim rhetoric to a small but influential group within the American right that seeks to maintain its influence through a campaign of Islamophobia, including the use of inflammatory conspiracy theories and the targeting of Muslim civil organisations like CAIR.
Texas Terrorist Designation Lawsuit
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as foreign terrorist organizations in November 2025. However, the federal government did not endorse this decision because it wanted to target organizations that oppose Israel and support Palestinian causes. The organization has initiated a federal court case to defend its position that the designation violates both religious freedom and civil rights, and that it has damaged its reputation. The organization views this action as a product of anti-Muslim conspiracy theories that aim to create public fear through baseless accusations against CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood.
The Israel First and Social Media Offensive
The New Arab report uses internal leaked documents to show how Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs research proves that public opinion can be effectively shaped through fear of Radical Islam and Jihadism. The global public relations budget of Israel has grown by $150 million to support these influence operations, according to internal documents. Social media platforms have experienced an increase in anti-Muslim hate content, which researchers from Al Jazeera and the Institute for Strategic Dialogue link to artificial intelligence operations and coordinated fake account activities.
Political and Legal Ramifications
The public reaction against these strategies has triggered an increasing number of legal cases and political opposition. Muslim advocacy organizations defend against designation lawsuits and public campaigns, while numerous Americans, including young conservatives, demonstrate their opposition to unreserved Israeli support. The ongoing dispute exists within the context of national discussions about American Middle Eastern involvement and how foreign powers affect domestic political decisions.