Diplomatic challenges from US, Europe, Iran, await Israel's next prime minister - analysis

Israel's next prime minister will face diplomatic challenges from the US, Europe, and Iran, including managing relations with the Trump administration after Democrats won control of Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, European pressure over West Bank settlements, and the expiration of the $38 billion US military aid agreement in 2028.

Israel's next prime minister will face a series of interconnected foreign policy challenges upon taking office, including relations with the United States, European pressure over West Bank settlements, and the need to formulate policy on Iran and the Palestinian arena. The most significant challenge will be in Washington, where President Donald Trump remains in the White House but the November 3, 2026 midterm elections gave Democrats control of both chambers of Congress. This shift has already led to initiatives to restrict arms sales to Israel and proposals for sanctions on settlement activity. The $38 billion US military aid agreement expires in 2028, requiring negotiations at a time when American assistance to Israel is increasingly controversial. In Europe, the next government faces pressure over settlement activity, with Britain and the EU imposing sanctions on settlers and organizations involved in violence. The EU-Israel Association Agreement and Horizon Europe research program are at risk. The article notes that the next prime minister will have to choose between interests that cannot always be reconciled.