US Midterms Trigger Israeli Push for Netanyahu to Resign
Democratic Party leaders argue that a major electoral shift in Washington isolates Israel and makes a unity government under the current Prime Minister impossible.
By Jessica Abebe ·
Yair Golan, the chair of Israel’s Democratic Party, issued an urgent warning on Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued tenure risks placing the nation on a path toward international sanctions and global isolation. Golan stated that the recent United States midterm election results reveal how toxic Netanyahu has become to both American Democrats and Republicans. He described the current political situation as an alarm for Israel, arguing that the leadership of Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatens the country’s most important ally.
The US midterm elections, which concluded overnight on Tuesday, produced what Golan called a dramatic result. He wrote on X/Twitter that the outcome shows Netanyahu is no longer a viable partner for a unified American political center. Golan argued that Israel needs a government that can restore its standing on the world stage and advance long-term strategic arrangements. He presented a binary choice to the Israeli public: a regressive, isolated state under a Netanyahu-led government or a strong, progressive, and secure nation.
Golan concluded his post by declaring that Netanyahu has lost the election and is dangerous for Israel. He urged the formation of a government of change immediately. MK Gilad Kariv of the Democrats echoed this sentiment, urging Netanyahu to step down quickly. Kariv noted that the strong performance of the US Democratic Party, described as a blue wave, confirms that Netanyahu’s rule alongside Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s annexationist policies damages Israel’s existential interests. Kariv stated that a working relationship with the American mainstream is impossible under the current leadership or a sham unity government dictated by Netanyahu and Smotrich.
Outgoing opposition leader Yair Lapid of B’Yachad added that the US election results have effectively ruled out any possibility of a unity government led by Netanyahu. Lapid pointed to remarks made the previous night by Shin Bet Director David Zini as a key factor. Zini’s comments, combined with the US election outcomes, created an unforeseen consequence for Israeli politics. Lapid wrote that Israel cannot afford for Netanyahu to remain prime minister, citing dangers to national security, democracy, and global standing.
Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List offered a different perspective, focusing on the ongoing dispute between Zini and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara. Tibi mocked the Shin Bet’s investigation into foreign interference in the 26th Knesset elections. He noted that Zini is investigating a suspected link between the Joint List and the US Democratic Party. Tibi described the alleged sophisticated method used in both cases as people arriving at polling stations in droves, casting a ballot, and going home.
The political fallout from the US midterms has now become a central factor in Israel’s domestic power struggle. The leaders of the opposition parties are using the American electoral shift to pressure Netanyahu to leave office. The dispute over the Shin Bet investigation adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations for a new government. The next 24 hours will determine whether these calls for change result in a cabinet reshuffle or a deeper political stalemate.
