US Midterm Results a Major Blow to Israel, Experts Say

Israeli experts say the US midterm election results are a major blow to Israel at both the congressional and White House levels, potentially affecting US-Israel relations, according to former Israeli Foreign Ministry Director-General Alon Liel and Israeli-American writer Jeff Halper. Liel said Israel will face a more hostile Congress and may lose US financial aid and weapons supplies, while Trump's weakened position reduces the likelihood of a sustained military attack on Iran. He also suggested that diminished Trump influence could trigger new recognitions of Palestinian statehood by Germany, Italy, and Japan. Halper noted that Democratic criticism of Israel has become more legitimate following Israel's Gaza operations, and Trump's decision to cut aid has left Israel in a weak position. However, he said the war on Iran will likely begin receding gradually as Republicans consider the 2028 elections.