Democrats seize both US congressional chambers, shifting Israel debate
Democrats won control of the House and Senate in the US midterm elections, according to multiple reports. Their majority in Congress is expected to push for a tougher line toward Israel on Iran, Gaza and settler violence. Donald Trump has said he agreed with Benjamin Netanyahu to end the $3.8 billion annual US military aid to Israel by the end of 2026. Netanyahu had not commented on the election or the aid announcement at the time of reporting. In Israel, commentators warn of greater scrutiny of US support, while Vice President JD Vance has said the Iran war cost the administration support.
Key facts
- About 200,000 American citizens live in Israel, a figure relevant to the aid decision.
- Oil prices fell for a third day as markets bet on US-Iran peace talks.
- Some Gulf governments see another full-scale assault on Iran as less likely after the midterms.
- Israeli rivals use the Democratic wins to criticize Netanyahu for losing bipartisan US support.
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Why it matters
Changes to US Congress and military aid could reshape the relationship between Washington and Jerusalem.
What changed
First published from Middle East Eye, Anadolu Agency, SVT Nyheter, The Jerusalem Post and Al Jazeera English