Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid warned on Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become toxic to American legislators who historically backed the country. Writing on the US social media platform X, Lapid argued that Israel is losing key backing from politicians who still view the nation as a strategic ally but strongly oppose Netanyahu and his administration’s policies.
The remarks follow the outcome of US midterm elections. Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, ending Republican rule and handing Democrats greater authority over legislation and congressional oversight.
Lapid estimated that roughly 25 members of the 435-seat House of Representatives are now firmly opposed to Israel. He added that the figure represents less than 10 percent of the Senate.
However, Lapid identified a larger challenge for Israel. He pointed to an increasing willingness among senators outside the core group of critics to support arms restrictions.
According to Lapid, the number of senators voting to curb weapons shipments has grown over recent years. He stated that 11 senators voted for such restrictions two years ago. That number rose to 27 a year ago and reached 40 in April.
Legislators object to specific government actions, Lapid explained. He wrote that they oppose settler violence, they oppose a government they do not understand, and above all, they oppose Netanyahu.
To these lawmakers, Lapid added, anything associated with the current prime minister is considered toxic.
Lapid also criticized Netanyahu for abandoning Israel’s traditional bipartisan approach in Washington. He recalled Netanyahu’s 2015 address to Congress, which was delivered to oppose the Iran policy of then-President Barack Obama.
Lapid urged Israel’s next government to engage with politicians from both political parties during its first official visit to the American capital.
