Aid to Israel in jeopardy, Iran in focus: the security price of Trump's election defeat

The Democratic wave in the US midterm elections could place Israel before a complex security reality: Trump announced the cessation of annual aid to Israel by the end of 2026, and Democrats will control both houses of Congress, potentially increasing oversight of arms transfers and altering policy toward Iran.

The Democratic wave in the US midterm elections could place Israel before a complex security and political reality. Democrats gained control of both houses of Congress, acquiring new tools to influence the administration's foreign and defense policy. On election day, President Trump announced in a Fox News interview that he had agreed with Prime Minister Netanyahu to end annual US aid to Israel by the end of 2026. Trump claimed the initiative came from Netanyahu and that Israel no longer needs aid at its current level. The announcement raises questions, as the existing security memorandum of understanding sets an aid framework of about $3.8 billion per year through 2028. Meanwhile, the war with Iran that began in late February has lasted longer than initial assessments, and its economic effects have made it a central election issue. In a Fox News poll, 60% of respondents believed the decision to take military action against Iran was wrong. The article analyzes the options facing Trump and the implications for Israel, including the need to prepare for a more complex relationship with Washington.