US Midterm Election Results Offer Israel Opportunity for Improved Ties

The Republican Party's defeat in the US midterm elections could significantly weaken Donald Trump's standing and present an opportunity for Israel to mend its relationship with Washington, according to Maariv observer Shlomo Shamir. Shamir described the election outcomes as a historic moment in American politics, with Democrats regaining control of Congress and winning in traditionally Republican strongholds like Ohio and the Carolinas. He attributes these results to American dissatisfaction with Trump's policies, citing a failure to improve citizens' daily lives, rising costs of living, and the prolonged conflict with Iran, which Americans do not understand and which contributes to fuel price increases. Shamir noted Trump's low approval rating of 31%, suggesting this marks the gradual end of the "Trumpism" era. While Democrats cannot automatically end Trump's presidential term, they can obstruct his initiatives. Shamir believes the congressional shift poses no inherent threat to US-Israel relations, as criticism of Israeli policy is growing among influential Republicans as well as Democrats. He specifically points to negative sentiment directed at the current Israeli coalition, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, rather than Israel as a whole. The observer stated that Israel's standing in the US and the West has deteriorated, and even a Republican victory would not necessarily have helped Jerusalem. He also noted the rise of individuals around Trump who oppose military aid to Israel. Ultimately, Shamir concludes that the election results could benefit Israel, but only if its leadership implements significant changes within the ruling coalition and government to restore relations with Washington and improve the country's international standing.