Israeli opposition blames Netanyahu for waning U.S. support after Democratic congressional win

Israeli opposition figures accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of damaging Israel’s relationship with the United States following the Democratic Party’s capture of both houses of Congress. The criticism came after the U.S. midterm elections, which were seen as a rebuke to President Donald Trump and reflected growing frustration over the war in Gaza.

Yair Lapid, a former prime minister whose party is part of a coalition seeking to replace Netanyahu, wrote on social media that the election results show “Israel cannot afford” for Netanyahu to remain in office, adding that his leadership “endangers our security, jeopardizes our democracy, and will ruin our standing on the global stage.”

Lapid argued that Israel should return to the bipartisan approach that had guided U.S.-Israeli relations for decades, noting that the “anti-Israel core” in Congress now represents less than 10 percent of the Senate. He highlighted that Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, whom he described as friends, voted in favor of Israel despite opposition from many in their party.

Gadi Eisenkot, the main rival to Netanyahu, said his leadership would “renew and deepen” the partnership with Washington, emphasizing a vision of a Middle East focused on opportunity and cooperation rather than conflict.

Yair Golan, another opposition member, called Netanyahu “toxic” to both Democrats and Republicans, warning that his continued rule could lead Israel toward “international sanctions, global isolation, and a confrontation with the United States.”

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) posted a message congratulating the newly elected pro-Israel members of Congress and pledged to increase support for lawmakers who view a strong U.S.–Israel partnership as essential for security.

Netanyahu has not responded to the opposition’s statements.