Netanyahu is destroying Israel’s bipartisan support in the US - opinion

Douglas Bloomfield, a former AIPAC staffer, argues that Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership has eroded bipartisan support for Israel in the US, citing Democratic criticism, settler violence, and the Iran war. The article warns that a seventh Netanyahu term could further damage US-Israel relations and calls for a new centrist government to repair alliances.

Douglas Bloomfield, a Washington-based journalist and former AIPAC staffer, argues that Benjamin Netanyahu is responsible for destroying Israel's bipartisan support in the United States. The article states that the era of wall-to-wall bipartisan backing is 'ancient history' and that Netanyahu 'deserves much of the credit.' It cites Trump's reluctant endorsement of Netanyahu, Democratic criticism led by Sen. Chuck Schumer, and growing opposition among Jewish lawmakers and young conservatives. The article highlights settler violence in the West Bank, which Netanyahu dismisses as 'juvenile delinquents,' and notes that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has instructed diplomats to seek other allies. Bloomfield warns that a seventh Netanyahu term with 'religious and nationalist extremists' would further damage relationships, while a centrist government could roll back judicial reforms and repair ties. The article concludes that Israel is losing Jewish American support and that the choice facing voters is between continued deterioration or a leader who can rebuild bridges.