Washington Considers Reevaluating Ties with Israeli Government

US-Israel Relations Face Uncertain Future Amid Midterm Elections

The midterms have exposed a growing challenge to decades of US support for Israel, with potentially lasting consequences for the alliance. When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu eventually leaves office, he will leave behind a record of damage inflicted on his country and its people, as well as on others.

Netanyahu’s legacy is expected to include a deterioration in relations with the United States, which has been a close ally. The US has provided approximately $4 billion in annual military aid to Israel since 1967. However, US President Donald Trump announced that this aid would be phased out by the end of 2026.

The decision was reportedly made earlier and may have been an attempt to influence the outcome of the midterm elections. Nevertheless, it marks a significant shift in US support for Israel. The country has generally provided unwavering backing to Israel since 1967, despite occasional exceptions.

There are various reasons behind this changing attitude, including concerns about Israel’s actions under Netanyahu’s government, which is considered one of the most far-right in the country’s history. Some critics argue that Israel’s use of force in conflicts, such as the war in Gaza, has damaged its international reputation and placed American allies at risk.

Others are concerned about the occupation of Palestinian territories and the expansion of settlements. The US military aid to Israel is seen by some as contributing to these issues. A change of government may not be enough to halt the erosion of relations between the two countries, with potentially serious consequences for Israel’s security, economy, and international standing.

The future of US-Israel relations remains uncertain, with a new government expected to take office soon. The direction of travel in this relationship is clear: the automatic support extended by successive US administrations is cooling.

Source: Al Jazeera