Democratic Election Victory Raises Pressure to End Iran War and Reshape US-Israel Ties

Darwin, November 7: A major Democratic victory in the US midterm elections is expected to intensify pressure on President Donald Trump to end the war with Iran and reconsider Washington’s longstanding policy towards Israel. The outcome could also place the traditionally close relationship between the United States and Israel under significant strain, particularly under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership.

Analysts say a Democratic-controlled Congress could play a crucial role in restricting funding for the Iran war and reviewing US military assistance to Israel.

Before Tuesday’s elections, Trump had indicated that US assistance to Israel would end by the close of the year. Following the Democrats’ strong performance, he acknowledged that public dissatisfaction over the Iran war and the resulting increase in prices had contributed to the Republican defeat.

Vice President JD Vance also identified the Iran war and Washington’s close relationship with Israel as factors behind the Democrats’ electoral success.

Democrats may use congressional funding powers to end the war

Democrats are expected to prioritise ending the war with Iran before pursuing legislation imposing restrictions over Israel’s policies in the West Bank and Gaza.

Chuck Schumer, who is expected to become the next Senate majority leader, has indicated that Democrats will seek to use Congress’s power over government spending to achieve this objective.

Democrats could follow a strategy previously used by Congress to bring an end to the Vietnam War. They may seek to attach conditions to the next government funding bill, prohibiting the allocation of money for US military operations near Iran.

If Trump refuses to sign the legislation, the federal government could face a shutdown, potentially leaving the president politically responsible for the disruption.

Consequently, Trump could come under pressure to wind down the war even before the new Congress begins its work on January 3.

However, although Democrats favour a diplomatic resolution, the election result could also encourage Tehran to adopt a harder negotiating position. Iran may interpret growing anti-war sentiment among American voters as evidence that Washington is under pressure to reach an agreement, reducing Tehran’s willingness to make concessions.

US military assistance to Israel could face restrictions

The United States has a 10-year agreement with Israel providing $3.8 billion in annual military assistance. The arrangement is scheduled to remain in effect until the end of 2028.

However, the funding must be approved and allocated by Congress every year. This gives Democrats an opportunity to pursue restrictions on the assistance as early as next year.

The Trump administration’s proposed post-war arrangements for Gaza could also face scrutiny.

Democratic lawmakers may challenge funding for the proposed Board of Peace, established under Trump’s leadership to oversee post-war arrangements in Gaza.

Some Democratic lawmakers have called for an investigation into the business relationships of Jared Kushner, one of the key architects of the initiative. Disputes over funding and potential investigations could complicate plans for Gaza’s reconstruction.

Israeli opposition calls for rebuilding relations with Washington

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has proposed that representatives of Israel’s next government engage with political parties and community leaders across the United States to rebuild relations between the two countries.

Lapid argues that not everyone critical of Israel is an opponent of the country. Many, he says, are primarily concerned about settler violence in the West Bank and the policies of Netanyahu’s government.

However, newly elected Democratic congressman Brad Lander criticised Lapid’s proposal, arguing that American voters want more than diplomatic visits and discussions. They want to see respect for international law and human rights.

Jordan Acker, a Democratic leader in Michigan, also said Israelis were failing to understand the depth of anger among ordinary American voters over Israel’s treatment of Palestinians.

Netanyahu’s leadership could become a major obstacle

Former US ambassador Dan Shapiro believes that forming a national unity government while keeping Netanyahu as prime minister would not bring fundamental changes to relations with Washington.

According to Shapiro, Netanyahu has lost acceptance not only among Democrats but also among many Republicans.

He argued that bringing new leadership to Israel should be the first step towards rebuilding the relationship with the United States.

Analyst Joel Braunold also believes dissatisfaction with Israel’s current policies is growing within both major US political parties.

Democrats increasingly want to know what values Israel stands for and how seriously it respects international law and human rights.

Pressure for broader changes in Israeli policy

For Vance, an important consideration is ensuring that Israel does not become an obstacle to US policy in the Middle East, whether in Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza or the West Bank.

This suggests that pressure on Israel may extend beyond a possible change of prime minister to a broader reassessment of the country’s regional policies.

The Democratic victory could therefore mark a significant turning point in the political debate over US involvement in the Middle East and its relationship with Israel.

While the extent of any policy shift remains uncertain, the new balance of power in Congress is likely to give Democrats greater influence over military spending, diplomatic priorities and Washington’s approach to the Israeli government.

Source: The Times of Israel