Democrats Take Congress as Netanyahu Coalition Loses Majority

Democrats won majorities in both chambers of the US Congress in the November 3 midterm elections, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition lost its parliamentary majority in an October 27 vote. The twin setbacks have sharpened pressure on Netanyahu as rivals seek to form a government without him and have raised questions about the future of US-Israel relations during the war with Iran. Netanyahu remains prime minister in a caretaker capacity while coalition negotiations proceed. President Isaac Herzog was due to consult party representatives on November 4 and 5 before deciding whom to task with forming the next government. Neither Netanyahu’s bloc nor the opposition secured the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-member Knesset, leaving the outcome dependent on negotiations. If both prospective leaders fail to form a coalition, another election would be called. Opposition leaders have cited the US results as evidence that Netanyahu has weakened Israel’s standing in Washington. Yair Lapid said the outcome ruled out a unity government with Netanyahu, while Yair Golan argued that his continued leadership could damage Israel’s security and international...