Israeli Democrats Urge Netanyahu Resignation After US Midterms
Party leaders cite a shift in American politics and domestic legal conflicts to argue the prime minister must step down immediately.
By Ricardo Alvarez ·
Wednesday morning brought new pressure on the Israeli government as domestic opponents reacted to the United States midterm election results. The outcome has intensified calls within Israel’s political establishment for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to leave office. Critics argue the American electorate’s choice signals a weakening support base for the current administration.
Yair Golan, chair of the Democratic Party of Israel, posted on X that the results expose Netanyahu’s growing unpopularity among US voters. Golan stated that the prime minister has become toxic to both American Democrats and Republicans. He warned that the tenure of Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is steering Israel toward international sanctions and confrontation with Washington.
Golan described the United States as Israel’s most vital ally and argued that current policies threaten that bond. He framed the upcoming political decision as a choice between a regressive, boycotted state and a secure, progressive nation. Golan concluded that Netanyahu effectively lost the election and is now a danger to the state, calling for an immediate change in government.
Knesset member Gilad Kariv echoed these concerns in his own posts. He noted that the strong performance of the US Democratic Party makes it clear that Netanyahu’s rule, combined with the annexationist policies of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, damages Israel’s interests. Kariv stated that a mainstream exists in American politics capable of preserving the bilateral relationship, but that this is impossible under the current leadership. He demanded that Netanyahu vacate the prime minister’s office quickly.
Kariv accused the prime minister of destroying relations with the Democratic Party and half of the Republican Party. He criticized those who still speak of unity with Netanyahu, arguing they fail to understand the recent election results in both countries.
Outgoing opposition leader Yair Lapid of the B’Yachad party joined the criticism by asserting that the midterm results have ruined any chance of forming a unity government with Netanyahu. Lapid cited the ongoing dispute between Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara as a contributing factor to the political deadlock. He wrote that Zini’s remarks combined with the American election results have effectively ruled out a unity government led by the prime minister.
Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List took a different approach, mocking the Shin Bet’s investigation into foreign interference in the 26th Knesset elections. Tibi noted that Zini is investigating a suspected link between the Joint List and US Democrats. He sarcastically described the method used in both cases as people arriving at polling stations in droves, casting a ballot, and then going home.
