Israeli Opposition Slams 'Toxic Netanyahu' After Democrats Win US Congress

Israeli opposition politicians have criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Democrats gained control of the US Congress in the recent midterm elections. Opposition leaders stated that Netanyahu's policies have eroded support for Israel in the United States and that Israel "cannot afford" for the prime minister to remain in office.

The Democratic victories in both the Senate and the House were partly fueled by deep frustration over the US and Israel's war on Iran. These results came just a week after Israel's own election, where Netanyahu's coalition lost its parliamentary majority.

Highlights

• Israeli opposition uses US midterm election results as an argument against Netanyahu remaining in office.
• Former Prime Minister Yair Lapid claims Netanyahu's continued leadership endangers Israel's security and global standing.
• Opposition leaders have pledged to strengthen bipartisan ties with the US if they form the next government.
• Netanyahu is criticized for openly siding with Republicans, unlike previous Israeli leaders who courted both parties.
• Some Democratic candidates made criticism of military aid to Israel a central campaign theme.

Details

Yair Lapid stated that the US election results show "Israel cannot afford" for Netanyahu to remain in office. In a social media post, Lapid argued that this endangers Israel's security and democracy, and will ruin its standing on the global stage. Lapid advocated for Israel to return to the rule that "worked for us for seventy years and broke in 2015, when Netanyahu went to speak in Congress" against then-President Barack Obama.

For decades, the US has been Israel's staunchest ally, providing billions in military aid. However, unlike previous Israeli leaders, Netanyahu has openly sided with Republicans. Former prime ministerial candidate Gadi Eisenkot said that under his leadership, Israel would restore and deepen its bipartisan ties with Washington. Eisenkot emphasized that Israel would remain one of America's most reliable strategic partners in the Middle East.

Yair Golan stated that the US vote showed "just how toxic Netanyahu has become" among both Democrats and Republicans. Golan warned that if Netanyahu and his far-right government remained in power, Israel would be on a "path toward international sanctions, global isolation, and a confrontation with the United States." Netanyahu did not immediately respond to the opposition's criticism.

Why it matters

These developments indicate increasing pressure on Netanyahu within Israeli domestic politics. Political changes in the US could directly impact Israel's relationship with its most crucial ally. The opposition's promise to restore bipartisan support suggests a potential shift in Israel's foreign policy, raising concerns that Israel's international standing could become more challenging if Netanyahu remains in power.