Gideon Levy: Politician's Win Highlights US-Israel Political Divide

Israeli columnist Gideon Levy has commented on the victory of Egyptian-American politician the politician in Michigan's Senate elections. Levy views the politician's win as indicative of growing political participation for minorities in the US, contrasting it with Israel, which he believes is still far from electing an Arab to a prominent political position with the support of the Jewish majority. Writing in the newspaper Haaretz, Levy compared the politician's experience to the rise of New York Mayor Zahran Mamdani, suggesting that the success of Muslim and progressive figures in US politics reflects a shift towards candidates being elected based on their stances and personalities rather than their religious or ethnic identity.

Levy criticized Israeli reactions to the politician's election, noting that some Israeli circles perceived it as a threat due to the politician's critical views of the Israeli government and accusations of antisemitism. He argued that the US political system's ability to accommodate candidates from diverse backgrounds was demonstrated by the politician's victory. Levy highlighted the paradox between the US and Israel, questioning whether an Arab citizen could be elected mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo with the majority vote, rather than relying solely on Arab votes from Jaffa. He asserted that Arab political advancement in Israel remains largely tied to their national identity.

Levy defended the politician's positions on Israel, stating they stem from a refusal to fund a state accused of war crimes, not from hatred of Jews. He pointed out that these views did not prevent the politician's win, despite the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spending approximately $30 million to oppose his Democratic Party nomination. Levy noted that Michigan, with about 10 million residents, has an Arab population of 3-4%, suggesting the politician's victory carried political significance beyond his electoral base, as his election was not solely based on his identity.

Levy expressed admiration for the politician's confidence, charisma, humor, and ability to confront political opponents. He also conveyed relief over the politician's win, especially after the loss of his former opponent, Haley Stevens, whom Levy described as pro-Israel and opposed to the politician's candidacy. Levy concluded that the success of the politician and other progressive candidates contributes to making America great again, signaling positive prospects for the US, the world, and potentially Israel.