Democrats Win Both Chambers as Israeli Opposition Presses Netanyahu

Democrats’ capture of both chambers in Wednesday’s U.S. midterm elections is giving Israeli opposition leaders a fresh argument to seek a government without Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Control of the House and Senate could allow Democrats to increase scrutiny of U.S. policy toward Israel through hearings, oversight investigations and budget measures. The shift comes as Democratic support for Israel’s military campaign and U.S. aid has weakened, while President Donald Trump and Netanyahu jointly launched military action against Iran, further straining the relationship.

Yair Golan, leader of Israel’s center-left opposition, said the result showed Netanyahu had harmed his standing with both Democrats and Republicans. Centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid warned Netanyahu’s continued rule threatens Israel’s security and international standing. Their comments turn a U.S. political shift into an argument over who should lead Israel’s next government.

Israel’s Oct. 27 parliamentary election left both major blocs short of a majority, with Netanyahu’s Likud party the largest. President Isaac Herzog plans to meet representatives of the parties Wednesday and Thursday to begin coalition consultations. Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister.