Things aren’t looking good for Benjamin Netanyahu following the Republicans’ comprehensive defeat across the Atlantic in the US midterms.
Overnight, the Democrats regained control of both chambers of Congress in a stunning set of results as Americans sent a clear message to Donald Trump
Thanks to historic wins in traditionally deep-red states such as Texas and Kansas, along with a sweep of the swing states, the Democrats now have control of the US Senate and the House, leaving Donald Trump as a lame duck in the White House.
READ NEXT: Nigel Farage drops all-time stinker after predicting Trump ‘would not get smashed’ in midterms
But it might not just be in America where the midterms have huge ramifications.
Democratic gains in Congress leave Netanyahu vulnerable
The rejection of Trump and the Republicans is a disaster for Benjamin Netanyahu and his hopes of remaining prime minister of Israel.
After last week’s elections, Netanyahu has lost his majority in the Knesset, winning 53 of the 61 seats needed. However, his main opponent Gadi Eisenkot also failed to win a majority, winning 48 seats and leaving the government in deadlock as both blocs try to work out a way to form a government.
But the Republicans losing control of Congress is a devastating blow to Netanyahu. Throughout Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, Trump has effectively been Netanyahu’s only ally on the global stage.
The US and Israel’s war on Iran has also had disastrous consequences, sparking global chaos and soaring fuel prices, the main factor in voters turning out against Trump in the midterms this week.
Meanwhile, large parts of the Democratic Party are vocal in their condemnation of Israel’s wars in Gaza and Iran. Whilst Trump will still control foreign policy, the Democrats are now able to apply pressure on Trump by holding hearings, demanding government documents, controlling key committees and shaping the budget.
Opponents rally against Netanyahu
Netanyahu’s opponents say the Democratic gains in the House and Senate therefore mean he can no longer remain in power.
They argue his continued rule threatens Israel’s international standing and relations with its closest ally.
Yair Golan, leader of the Israel’s centre-left opposition Democrats party, said the election results had revealed “just how toxic Netanyahu is among both Democrats and Republicans.”
In a post on X, Golan warned that if Netanyahu stayed in power alongside National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, this could lead Israel toward “international sanctions, international isolation, and a clash with the U.S., our friend and most important ally.”
He said Israel needed a government “capable of restoring its international standing, pursuing long-term political and strategic arrangements, and ensuring its security.”
“Netanyahu lost the elections. He is dangerous to Israel. We have no time to waste. We must form a government of change now,” he added.
Meanwhile, centrist opposition leader Yair Lapid said the results showed “Israel cannot afford” for Netanyahu to remain in office.
“It endangers our security, it jeopardises our democracy, and it will ruin our standing on the global stage,” Lapid said in a social media post.