Democratic Congress could test decades of US support for Israel

WASHINGTON — The Democratic Party's victory in Tuesday's midterms could mark the most significant reassessment of U.S. support for Israel in decades, sources indicate. This assessment is being influenced by the party's growing unease over Israel's actions and the election's underlying sentiment, which was partly fueled by dissatisfaction with the Iran war.

Democrats secured control of both the Senate and the House during the election. The progressive candidates who emerged victorious were notably vocal in their opposition to military aid to Israel and the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cozy relationship with President Donald Trump and other Republicans have already tested the decades-long bipartisan support for Israel. The Democratic Party's ascension to power could intensify scrutiny of military aid and West Bank violence, potentially leading to hearings and challenges against Trump's appointees.

Nevertheless, the president's veto power imposes limitations on the extent to which Democrats can effectuate substantial policy changes.

Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive from Michigan and the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate, emerged as a successful progressive in the election. His campaign faced Republican attempts to win over Jewish voters who may have been uneasy with his faith and his critical stance on Israel.