Ex-US Envoy Urges Israel to Replace Netanyahu Amid Aid Concerns

Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro stated on November 6 that Israel must prepare for the cessation of $3.8 billion in annual American military aid. Speaking to Ynet, Shapiro, who served under President and later as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East under President Joe Biden, argued that Prime Minister Netanyahu is "toxic" in Washington. He explained that Democrats are unwilling to work with Netanyahu, while Republicans associate him with a war against Iran that they believe contributed to their election losses.

Shapiro believes that Democrats, now holding majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate following the midterm elections, have the "freedom to act" and largely desire to end the aid. He asserted that "everyone agrees that American aid to Israel is ending," with the only question being the timeline. Israel, he suggested, will adapt by using its own funds for necessary acquisitions, and U.S. arms sales will continue under U.S. legal restrictions.

The former ambassador identified Netanyahu's leadership as the primary obstacle to maintaining strong U.S.-Israel relations. "If the Israeli government remains under Netanyahu's leadership, no one in the Democratic Party will be ready to restore relations," Shapiro stated. He emphasized that Netanyahu's association with the unpopular Iran war also creates issues with Republicans. Shapiro suggested that Israel needs "new faces and a new voice" free from Netanyahu's "historical baggage" to prevent a worsening of its standing in the U.S.

Shapiro outlined several steps he deems necessary for improving bilateral ties, prioritizing a new government with fresh leadership as the most crucial. He also called for policy changes in Judea and Samaria, including combating settler violence and halting settlement expansion, and promoting the Trump plan for Gaza. Despite these concerns, Shapiro affirmed that significant Democratic support for Israel's security remains, viewing it as a U.S. interest. However, he anticipates future cooperation will differ, likely without direct military aid and with conditions on arms sales to ensure alignment with U.S. values and laws, particularly concerning civilian casualties.

Regarding the growing influence of progressive Democrats, Shapiro advised against excessive worry, stating that anti-Israel voices are a minority. He believes Israel's own leadership decisions and policies will determine the extent of their influence. Shapiro noted that while figures like Senator Abdul El-Sayed hold strong anti-Israel views, they do not represent the entire party, and House Minority Leader Hakim Jeffries will have the latitude to set policy without solely relying on the progressive wing.