Israeli commentator links Republican election setback to declining support for Israel in US

An Israeli political commentator has argued that the Republican Party’s setback in the US midterm elections, which saw Democrats gain control of both houses of Congress, reflects not only a political defeat for President Donald Trump but also a broader decline in Israel’s standing among Americans.

Gili Cohen, a political correspondent for Israeli public broadcaster Kan, said the election results coincided with growing criticism of Israel across the US political spectrum.

In an article titled “The Defeat in the United States Is Not Just for Trump, but Also for Israel’s Standing,” Cohen pointed to changing attitudes toward Israel within the Democratic Party, where positions range from those represented by Senator Chuck Schumer to those of Representative Rashida Tlaib.

She argued that criticism of Israel has become increasingly prominent in American political debate, particularly over US military assistance and Washington’s approach toward Iran.

Cohen cited two issues highlighted in the American press as evidence of this shift: the future of US financial assistance to Israel and American policy toward Iran.

She suggested that Trump’s announcement on election day of his intention to halt annual US military aid to Israel should be understood within the context of changing public attitudes rather than viewed solely as an isolated political statement.

According to Cohen, growing numbers of Americans are questioning the continued provision of approximately $3.8 billion in annual assistance to Israel, given its advanced technological capabilities and established defense systems, including Iron Dome.

The commentator presented the election results and renewed debate over military assistance as indications of changing political attitudes toward Israel in the United States.