M. J. Rosenberg is an American journalist, political commentator, and former lobbyist specializing in U.S. Middle East policy, particularly U.S.-Israel relations. Born in the United States, he earned a BA in English from Kenyon College in 1970. He began his career in advocacy during the 1970s, serving as Director of Policy Research at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) from 1974 to 1986, where he focused on legislative efforts to strengthen U.S.-Israel ties. Following his time at AIPAC, he transitioned to Capitol Hill roles, including Legislative Assistant to Rep. Joe Moakley (D-MA), Staff Director of the House Democratic Study Group Task Force on the Middle East, and Senior Foreign Policy Adviser to Democratic members such as Reps. Dave Obey and Joe Moakley, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, influencing policy on foreign aid and Middle East affairs during the 1980s and 1990s. He also served as a speechwriter for Democratic figures and worked with think tanks like the Institute for Policy Studies.

In the 2000s, Rosenberg shifted toward criticism of the 'Israel lobby,' particularly AIPAC, arguing that it unduly influences U.S. policy in ways that harm both American interests and prospects for Israeli-Palestinian peace. He served as Vice President of the Israel Policy Forum (IPF) from 2006 to 2008, advocating for a more balanced U.S. approach to the region. After leaving AIPAC, Rosenberg held positions including editor at the Washington Weekly and senior fellow at Media Matters for America, focusing on progressive media analysis. He has contributed extensively to outlets like The Nation, Al Jazeera English, Foreign Policy in Focus, and the Huffington Post, where his columns critique neoconservative policies, unconditional U.S. aid to Israel, and the role of lobbying in perpetuating conflict. His work often highlights the tensions within Jewish-American communities over Israel policy, positioning him as a bridge between liberal Zionism and anti-occupation activism, and supports progressive alternatives such as those promoted by J Street.

Known for his insider knowledge of lobbying dynamics, Rosenberg has authored books and reports on the subject, including contributions to discussions on the Iraq War and Iran policy. Despite facing backlash from pro-Israel groups, he remains an influential voice in progressive foreign policy circles, emphasizing diplomacy over military solutions in the Middle East.