Michael Oren says 2026 US midterms ended special US-Israel relationship

Former Israeli ambassador Michael Oren argues the 2026 US midterm elections ended the special US-Israel relationship, citing Democratic gains and anti-Israel candidates. He recommends diversifying partners and pursuing a tech/AI partnership with the Pentagon.

In an episode of The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus podcast, former Israeli ambassador to the US Michael Oren declared that the 2026 US midterm elections ended the 50-year special relationship between Israel and the United States. The Democrats swept both the House and Senate, including in deep-red states, and several candidates critical of Israel won their races. Oren attributed the shift to MAGA isolationism and the rise of Democratic Socialists, both rooted in domestic US politics but with profound implications for Israel. He argued that Israel accelerated these trends by failing to curb West Bank violence and avoiding any mention of peace with the Palestinians or Syria. Oren recommended that Jerusalem diversify its military and economic partners, make clear it will not be bound by any US-Iran deal, and work to transform the relationship into a technology and AI partnership, especially with the Pentagon.