US Expert Links Iran Attacks to Trump's Midterm Election Woes

A US policy expert suggests President Donald Trump's decision to escalate military actions against Iran is directly linked to declining public support and the upcoming midterm elections. Ruth Pins Feldman, a researcher at the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy and a doctoral student at Tel Aviv University, told Channel 7 that Trump's aggressive stance on Iran stems from a fear of prolonged stagnation in US-Iran relations.

According to Pins Feldman, Trump believes American voters, particularly his base, prefer decisive, high-intensity actions leading to a swift resolution, similar to Israel's approach, rather than a protracted conflict where the US appears hesitant. Polls from YouGov and Ipsos indicate that a significant majority of Americans anticipate a prolonged engagement in Iran, with low support for the current handling of the situation, and many feel Trump has been embarrassed by his threats against Iran not being met with decisive action.

She further explained that Trump's supporters expect a display of American resolve, and any perceived stagnation leads to a drop in his approval ratings. The article also touches upon the rise of overt antisemitism in the US, exacerbated by the Gaza conflict and tensions with Iran, and a lack of support for US policy favoring Israel, a phenomenon observed across the American political spectrum.

Regarding the midterm elections, Pins Feldman noted that while Trump's influence on his endorsed candidates is partial, with races becoming more personalized and partisan, his struggles could impact Republican candidates in competitive districts. However, she also pointed to the increasing radicalization within the Democratic Party, pushing centrist and independent voters towards Republicans, regardless of their affinity for Trump.

Despite the uncertainty, Pins Feldman speculated that Democrats might narrowly win the Senate, while Republicans could retain a slim majority in the House of Representatives, potentially hindering legislative reforms. For Israel, maintaining a friendly Congress and Senate is crucial for security aid and strategic cooperation. Therefore, she concluded, Trump needs to adopt a more decisive and action-oriented policy towards Iran, demonstrating tangible results and potentially lowering energy prices for American consumers, to counter the progressive candidates and end the perceived stagnation.