Israel opposition slams toxic Netanyahu as Democrats win control of US Congress

Opposition links Netanyahu to US shift

The congressional results came a week after Israel’s election. Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition lost its parliamentary majority, but its performance left Gadi Eisenkot without a clear path to replace him.

Yair Lapid said the situation threatened Israel’s security, democracy and standing internationally. He called for a return to a bipartisan approach to American politics.

Dispute over Netanyahu’s 2015 speech

Lapid pointed to 2015, when Netanyahu addressed Congress against then-President Barack Obama as Obama negotiated a nuclear deal with Iran. Netanyahu’s speech aligned him with Republican opponents of the president.

Lapid said Israel should not take sides in American politics. He also noted that both parties had supported Israel that year, even when most members of their party caucuses voted differently. He pledged to renew and deepen the partnership, strengthen its bipartisan foundations, and work with allies for a Middle East shaped by opportunity and cooperation.

Criticism of aid and election claims

Golan, whose party is part of the anti-Netanyahu coalition, said the results showed Netanyahu had become “toxic” among Democrats and Republicans alike. A post on X congratulated pro-Israel Democratic and Republican candidates who won. It said 234 candidates backed by the group had been elected.