Israel Politics: Democrats blame Netanyahu for US election loss
Party leaders argue the US midterm results expose the Prime Minister's toxic standing, threatening Israel's diplomatic isolation and security.
By Alessia Romano ·
Israel’s Democratic Party accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of severing ties with the US Democratic Party, citing overnight midterm election results. The party’s chair, Yair Golan, warned that Netanyahu’s continued tenure could place Israel on a path toward global isolation and international sanctions. He characterized the Prime Minister as toxic to both American political parties following the electoral outcome.
Golan issued a warning on X on Wednesday morning, stating that the leadership of Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir risks a confrontation with the United States. He described the current government as a regressive 'Super-Sparta' that is being boycotted. Golan argued that Israel requires a new government to restore its standing on the world stage and advance long-term strategic arrangements.
MK Gilad Kariv of the same party urged Netanyahu to step down immediately. Kariv noted that the 'blue wave' in the US Democratic Party clarifies the damage caused by Netanyahu’s rule and the annexationist policies of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. He stated that a working mainstream exists in American politics to preserve the US-Israel relationship, but this is impossible under the current leadership or a sham unity government.
Kariv further claimed that Netanyahu has destroyed relations with half of the Republican Party as well. He asserted that anyone discussing unity with the Prime Minister fails to understand the recent election results in both Israel and the United States. Kariv demanded that Netanyahu vacate the Prime Minister’s Office quickly to protect Israel’s existential interests.
Outgoing opposition leader Yair Lapid of the B’Yachad party added that the US midterm results have eliminated the possibility of forming a unity government with Netanyahu. Lapid cited a combined effect of the American election data and a dispute between Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara. He wrote that these factors effectively rule out a government led by Netanyahu, which he said endangers Israel’s security and democracy.
Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List offered a different perspective, mocking the Shin Bet’s investigation into foreign interference in the 26th Knesset elections. Tibi suggested a suspected link between the Joint List and US Democrats, noting that in both cases, people arrived at polling stations, cast ballots, and went home. This comment highlighted the internal friction regarding the security investigation amidst the political fallout from the US midterms.
