Israeli politicians warn Netanyahu's tenure could damage US ties after Democratic midterm win
Opposition leaders said the Democratic victories in the U.S. midterms and recent domestic disputes make a unity government with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu untenable, warning of possible diplomatic isolation.
Several Israeli opposition figures warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued leadership could jeopardize Israel’s relationship with the United States after the Democratic Party secured control of both chambers in the recent U.S. midterm elections.
Democratic Party chair Yair Golan posted on X that the election results “reveal just how toxic Netanyahu has become, both among Democrats and Republicans,” and cautioned that his tenure alongside National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir could lead to “international sanctions, global isolation, and a confrontation with the United States, our most important friend and ally.”
Member of Knesset Gilad Kariv (The Democrats) echoed the concern, stating that the “blue wave” in the United States makes clear that Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s policies would “severely damage the existential interests of the State of Israel.” He added that a government led by them would prevent cooperation with the mainstream of American politics.
Outgoing opposition leader Yair Lapid (B’Yachad) said that the midterm outcomes, together with a dispute involving Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara, have eliminated any prospect of a unity government headed by Netanyahu. Lapid wrote that Israel “cannot afford for him to remain prime minister,” citing risks to security, democracy, and global standing.
Joint List MK Ahmad Tibi responded to the Shin Bet investigation into alleged foreign interference by mocking the probe, noting a perceived similarity between alleged voting patterns in Israel and the United States.