US election confirms erosion of support for Israel

In a span of approximately 24 hours, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed discontinuing financial assistance to Israel, a staunch proponent of Israel faced a significant victory in a key Senate race, and Vice President Kamala Harris attributed her party's landslide electoral defeat to the state of U.S.-Israel relations.

The deterioration in relations between the U.S. and Israel, triggered by Israel's intense military operation in Gaza and the subsequent joint war with Iran, has eroded bipartisan support for Israel that has endured for generations. Democrats are deeply divided over Israel, while Republicans are increasingly critical of its actions.

In Israel, Netanyahu's critics argue that he mishandled relations with the U.S.' closest ally. On the left, Americans view Israel as an international pariah due to the war in Gaza and the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. On the right, some contend that Israel has undermined Trump's "America First" policy by entangling the U.S. in the Iranian conflict.

The extent to which Trump's suggestion to cut off the $4 billion annual military aid to Israel reflects official policy or was merely an attempt to sway voters on Election Day remains unclear. The White House has not provided further clarification.

Netanyahu has frequently referred to Trump as Israel's most loyal supporter in the White House. Under Trump's first term, the U.S. altered its stance by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and validating Jewish settlements, which are considered illegal by most of the international community. During his second term, Trump supported Israel in two wars against Iran.

Following Trump's remarks, election results came in, revealing a substantial surge in Democratic gains across the country, including in the critical swing state of Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed overwhelming defeated his Republican opponent. El-Sayed has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, claims Israel firmly rejects.

Vice President Kamala Harris, seen as a potential successor to Trump, has grown more vocal in expressing criticism of Israel, distancing herself from the ongoing war with Iran. Vance, during a post-election analysis on social media, suggested four steps for Republicans to regain voter support: ending the war, addressing the cost of living and inflation, putting America first, and altering the U.S.-Israel relationship. These suggestions indicate a potential shift in Republican thinking towards Israel.