US Midterm Elections Could Impact Israel's Aid and UN Relations

Americans are heading to the polls for midterm elections that could significantly impact President Donald Trump's second half of his term, particularly his foreign policy and support for Israel. A Democratic victory in either or both houses of Congress might reduce Trump's room for maneuver. If Democrats gain control, they could seek to limit arms shipments to Israel, investigate violence by West Bank settlers, or block budget provisions that foster cooperation between U.S. and Israeli defense industries. A potential civilian nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia could also face challenges. The annual $3.8 billion U.S. military aid package to Israel, governed by an agreement expiring in 2027, is a key issue, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly aiming to decrease Israel's reliance on this funding. However, the Democrats' ability to enact such changes would be constrained by Trump's presidential veto power, which would require a supermajority in Congress to override. Former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren warned that consequences could extend beyond military matters, suggesting some Democrats might end intelligence cooperation and cease vetoing UN resolutions against Israel, potentially leading to political paralysis for Trump. Meanwhile, rising living costs, driven by soaring energy prices, are a primary concern for American voters. The Financial Times reports that gasoline prices have surged over 33% since January 2025, reaching $4.17 per gallon, with diesel up over 70%. This increase is largely attributed to the war against Iran, which began in February, disrupting the Strait of Hormuz and damaging energy infrastructure. Trump defends these price hikes as a necessary consequence of efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, predicting prices will fall after the conflict concludes.