1+Following the Democrat victory in the US midterm elections, members of the anti-Netanyahu bloc—Yair Lapid and Yair Golan—sharply attacked the prime minister Wednesday morning, saying he has become “toxic” to both American parties and that the results eliminate any possibility of a unity government under his leadership.
Opposition Members Attack Netanyahu
Yair Lapid, number two on the Yachad party list, addressed the US midterm election results and said they—combined with the Shin Bet chief’s remarks overnight—eliminate any possibility of a unity government led by Netanyahu. “Israel cannot afford for him to remain prime minister. It endangers security, it endangers democracy, it will crush us in the world,” Lapid said.
Yair Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, joined the criticism and stated that the US election results proved Netanyahu has lost his legitimacy with both the Democratic and Republican parties. “The continued tenure of Netanyahu and Ben Gvir could lead Israel down a path of international sanctions, international isolation, and confrontation with the US,” Golan added.
1+Democrats Defeated Trump in Elections
The statements from anti-Netanyahu bloc members come against the backdrop of US midterm election results showing Democrats secured a majority in the House of Representatives. According to current data, out of 435 possible seats in the House, the Democratic Party has won 228 representatives so far compared to 139 for the Republicans, Trump’s party. The Democrats thus achieved the majority needed for victory, which stands at 218 seats.
Meanwhile, out of 100 possible seats in the Senate, the Democratic Party has secured 54 seats so far compared to 44 seats for the Republican Party, with two seats still to be decided. The midterm election results represent a severe political defeat for the US president and his party.
The political shift in the United States could present Israel with a Congress that will increase oversight and conditions on American aid and defense procurement, especially given that most American voters expressed opposition to war with Iran—something that could force the Trump administration to change strategic direction in the region.