Israel faces new era of sinking US support after election

Benjamin Netanyahu’s close alignment with Donald Trump may leave Israel facing a less supportive US Congress after American voters elected Democratic majorities in the midterm elections. The result, alongside Israel’s inconclusive election and the wars involving Gaza and Iran, is seen by observers as a shift in US public and political attitudes that could reduce Israel’s diplomatic cover.

Trump said he had agreed with Netanyahu to end the US$3.8 billion in annual US military aid by the end of 2026, linking the decision to the political climate. Democrats are calling for a tougher approach to Israel on Iran, Gaza and settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot says he wants to repair ties, but analysts argue that improved relations would require policy changes as well as a different tone.