Israeli Democrats Demand Netanyahu's Exit Following US Midterm Results

The outcome of the United States midterm elections arrived in Israel on Wednesday morning, triggering immediate calls for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign. Israeli politicians from the opposition camp argued that the results signal a shift in American politics that threatens the country's diplomatic standing and security alliances. They contend that the current leadership has alienated key partners in Washington, creating a precarious environment for the state.

Yair Golan, the chairman of the Democratic party, posted on X that the election results exposed the toxic nature of Netanyahu's popularity among both American Democrats and Republicans. Golan warned that the continued tenure of Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir could lead to international sanctions and global isolation. He described the choice as being between a "Netanyahu-style" Israel that is boycotted and isolated, and an Israel that is strong, progressive, and secure.

Golan asserted that Israel needs a government capable of restoring its standing on the world stage and advancing long-term strategic arrangements. He stated that Netanyahu has effectively lost the election in the eyes of the international community and that a government of change must be formed immediately to address these challenges. The party chair emphasized that there is no time to waste in forming this new administration.

MK Gilad Kariv, also of The Democrats, echoed the sentiment by urging Netanyahu to step down quickly. Kariv noted that the dramatic blue wave in the US Democratic Party clarified that continued rule by Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich would severely damage Israel's existential interests. He argued that a mainstream exists within American politics with whom Israel can work to preserve the special relationship, but this is impossible under the current leadership or a sham unity government dictated by their policies.

Kariv accused Netanyahu of destroying relations with the Democratic Party and half of the Republican Party. He added that anyone speaking of unity with Netanyahu that morning failed to understand the election results in either Israel or the United States. The MK stressed that the current political configuration makes it difficult to maintain the essential alliance between the two nations.

Yair Lapid, the outgoing opposition leader, stated that the midterm results and the ongoing dispute between Shin Bet Director David Zini and Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara have ruined any chance of forming a unity government with Netanyahu. Lapid wrote that Zini's remarks combined with the American election results effectively ruled out a Netanyahu-led unity government. He warned that Israel cannot afford for him to remain prime minister, as it endangers security, jeopardizes democracy, and ruins global standing.

Ahmad Tibi of the Joint List offered a different perspective, mocking the Shin Bet's investigation into foreign interference. Tibi pointed out that Zini is investigating a suspected link between the Joint List and US Democrats, noting that the same sophisticated method was allegedly employed in both cases: people arriving at polling stations in droves, casting ballots, and going home.