Following the recent inconclusive Israeli election and the US presidential election, Israel faces a potentially altered landscape of American support, with Democrats poised to adopt a more critical stance on issues concerning Iran, Gaza, and West Bank settlements.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign imagery, which highlighted a strong alliance with former US President Donald Trump, now appears dated given Trump's electoral defeat and the subsequent shift in American political power. Observers view the recent electoral outcomes in both nations as a significant turning point, suggesting Israel can no longer assume unwavering backing from the United States.
"This is a new era. The confluence of the Gaza war and the war with Iran have really changed how mainstream Americans—not people particularly concerned with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—see Israel," stated Yael Sternhell, an expert on the United States at Tel Aviv University. The Republican party's reassessment of its electoral performance included discussions of altering the US relationship with Israel, signaling a potential divergence in policy.
Opposition contender Gadi Eisenkot has positioned himself as a candidate capable of restoring damaged relations, emphasizing his belief in "liberal values" and a desire for constructive engagement with the US. This contrasts with Netanyahu's past alignment with Republicans and criticism of Democratic administrations, which critics argue has alienated a significant portion of the American political spectrum.
The incoming US Congress is expected to include progressive voices critical of Israel's actions, with some labeling the situation in Gaza as genocide. Analysts suggest that Israel may need to adjust its strategic approach, potentially relying on less sophisticated weaponry and facing increased international scrutiny, while also considering difficult economic choices like increased borrowing or taxation should US military aid diminish significantly.
Eli Kowaz, senior policy director at the Economic Cooperation Foundation, noted that the recent elections signify the expiration of a political gamble on specific American leadership. He suggested a broader realization within Israel that challenges exist in the relationship with the United States beyond partisan politics. Eisenkot's approach appears to be an effort to present a vision prioritizing regional stability and strategic agreements, diverging from a perpetual state of conflict.
