234 pro-Israel candidates win as opposition targets Netanyahu

Twenty-three-four pro-Israel candidates secured victory in the recent US congressional elections, a result that has intensified criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by Israeli opponents.

The Democratic Party gained control of both the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday. This shift follows a general election in Israel held just one week prior, where Netanyahu's right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority. Gadi Eisenkot, his main rival, failed to secure a clear path to replace him despite the coalition's loss.

On Wednesday, Yair Lapid, a former prime minister and member of the coalition seeking to unseat Netanyahu, addressed the new political reality. He stated that the US results proved Israel could not afford to keep Netanyahu in office. Lapid argued that the current leadership endangers national security, jeopardizes democracy, and damages Israel's global standing.

Lapid noted that previous Israeli leaders courted both major American parties, while Netanyahu has openly aligned with Republicans. Some Democratic candidates campaigned on themes criticizing military aid to Israel during its war in Gaza. President Donald Trump, who endorsed Netanyahu in the Israeli vote, pledged on Tuesday to halt four billion dollars in annual funding to Israel. Trump described the move as a method to remove a negative talking point for his political rivals.

The US has provided billions in annual military aid to Israel since the 1970s. Lapid pointed to 2015 as the moment the bipartisan tradition broke, citing Netanyahu's address to Congress against Barack Obama's nuclear deal with Iran. He emphasized that Israel works with everyone in American politics, though he acknowledged that an anti-Israel core in Congress has grown to less than ten percent of the Senate.

Lapid and Eisenkot both pledged to restore bipartisan ties if their coalitions form the next government. Eisenkot stated that Israel would renew and deepen its partnership with the United States, aiming for a Middle East defined by cooperation. Yair Golan, another coalition member, described Netanyahu as toxic among both American parties. He warned that if Netanyahu remains in power, Israel could face international sanctions and confrontation with the US.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee echoed these sentiments by congratulating the 234 candidates it backed who won their seats. The group specifically named Senate leader Chuck Schumer and House leader Hakeem Jeffries, noting that both are personal friends of Lapid who voted with Israel this year despite their party caucuses. The organization pledged to increase support for lawmakers who recognize that a strong partnership with Israel helps keep both nations secure.

Netanyahu did not immediately respond to the criticism from his opposition. The upcoming sessions in Washington will test whether the new congressional leadership can maintain the funding flows that have sustained the alliance for decades.