From the Strait of Hormuz to the strait of midterm, Trump pays heavy price, By Azu Ishiekwene

In the aftermath of the Democratic party's victory in recent midterm elections, Israeli opposition leaders are urging a shift in the United States' relationship with the country. President Donald Trump's inner circle expressed concerns over the massive defeat Trump suffered, as well as the rise of candidates who are skeptical of Israel.

These developments have raised fears about the potential decline of US support for Israel, which has historically relied on American military aid. With about 200,000 American citizens residing in Israel and the US providing crucial diplomatic cover at the UN, the strain on the relationship is palpable. The threat of diminishing US support has led Israel into a state of isolation, as other key allies distance themselves from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ultranationalist coalition.

This coalition has been at the forefront of conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, and across the Middle East. Trump's administration initially announced its intention to end military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, although no further details were provided. While Vice President JD Vance attributed his party's defeat to the ongoing Iran war, Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr, echoed Vance's claims, stating that the top four policies that could win back Trump voters were ending the war, focusing on the cost of living/inflation, putting America first, and changing the relationship with Israel.

The evolving dynamics between the US and Israel have been further exacerbated by a decline in favorable views towards Israeli people, with 52% of Americans now viewing them favorably – a significant drop from 64% in 2019. Gadi Eisenkot, leader of Israel's opposition, has called for a "national emergency government" to address the potential threat to Israel's diplomatic standing.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders like Yair Golan, Yair Lapid, and Democrat Brad Lander have called for a return to the rule that has worked for Israel-US relations for the past 70 years, emphasizing the importance of working with all sides and maintaining respect for international law and human rights.