Israel's coalition talks under pressure as US midterms expose cracks in a long-protected alliance
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After the recent US midterm elections, Israeli leaders are being pushed toward a unity government as analysts warn that domestic deadlock and growing criticism in the United States could weaken Israel's political cover, even under President Donald Trump.
Israel’s fragmented post-election parliament is confronting renewed urgency to form a governing coalition, analysts say, after the US midterm elections exposed how shaky the bilateral relationship is becoming. Former ambassador Michael Oren wrote that the results could mark the end of a half-century of predictable US support for Israel, pointing to demographic shifts, social-media influence and policy disagreements as part of a broader erosion in unquestioned backing.
The article points to a growing divergence within the Democratic Party, where criticism of Israel is increasingly tolerated, and cites recent visits by California Rep. Ro Khanna and congressman-elect Brad Lander as examples of politicians who see electoral advantage in challenging Israeli forces. It also references a controversial ad in Michigan that blamed Israel for rising food prices, describing it as antisemitic.
Republican vice-president JD Vance, speaking a day after the midterms, linked the election outcome to concerns about the Iran conflict, economic impacts and US-Israel ties, framing the issue as part of his emerging 2028 presidential platform.
Israeli officials warn that prolonged coalition negotiations risk another election and could limit the country’s ability to act independently on security matters. They argue that a stable government is needed to capitalize on the remaining two years of President Donald Trump’s administration, which remains broadly supportive of Israel, and to prepare for a future where that support may wane.
Former strategic affairs minister Ron Dermer emphasized the importance of deepening security, intelligence and technology cooperation with the United States, suggesting that such ties would make any potential downgrade of relations costly for Washington.
The piece concludes that a broader coalition, incorporating voices beyond the Likud and hard-right factions, could help Israel engage a US public that is becoming less receptive to traditional pro-Israel narratives, thereby strengthening long-term strategic ties.