DID Press: The Economist magazine has reported that the electoral defeat of Republicans in the United States has once again put relations between Washington and Tel Aviv under pressure, turning support for Israel into a contentious issue in American domestic politics.
According to the publication, US President Donald Trump announced on midterm election day that American military aid to Israel would be terminated by the end of this year. Trump argued that Israel no longer needs the assistance and that its economy is growing. However, he also cited the political consequences of supporting Israel as one of the reasons behind the decision.
US Vice President JD Vance also identified the war with Iran and Washington’s relations with Israel as factors behind the Republicans’ defeat, one day after the election.
The Economist writes that Israel’s popularity among the American public has been steadily declining. Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon have fueled dissatisfaction among voters and politicians from both the Democratic and Republican parties, making support for Tel Aviv an increasingly divisive issue in American politics.
According to the magazine, the unpopular war with Iran has also drawn greater attention to the United States’ annual $3.8 billion in aid to Israel. Almost all of this assistance is provided in the form of subsidies for purchasing US-made weapons and military equipment.
The Economist concludes that Democratic victories and growing criticism of Israeli policies could accelerate the decline of the alliance between the United States and Israel.