The Republican Party’s midterm election defeat has triggered internal discord in the U.S.-Israel relationship. Israel’s response to a comment made by Vice President J.D. Vance was striking. In reporting that Vance attributed the GOP’s electoral loss to the U.S.-Iran conflict, and that former President Trump launched military action against Iran based on misleading information from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, Daniel Daan, stated on November 5 that it was regrettable how many people have linked rising prices—particularly oil prices—to Israel. The decision to take military action against Iran, he emphasized, was made by the United States, not by Israel. Israel supports the U.S. action and considers it a correct one.
Vance directly tied the Republican Party’s crushing midterm defeat to the Iran conflict on November 4, listing “reassessing U.S.-Israel relations” as one of four key reasons for voter dissatisfaction. This marks a significant shift—a dangerous signal for Israel, given that decades of bipartisan consensus have long centered on unwavering support for Israel. Now, Vance has openly positioned the U.S.-Israel alliance as a matter requiring reevaluation. Daan’s reply was unambiguous: the decision to go to war was America’s, not Israel’s; we support it, but no one should hold us responsible for inflation or rising living costs.
This statement reveals a long-veiled truth in U.S.-Israel relations: while Israel can influence American policy decisions, it cannot bear the political consequences. Daan’s assertion that “this was not our decision” is technically accurate—the final authorization rests with the U.S. president, Congress grants authorization, the military executes operations, and American taxpayers fund the costs. However, the reality is that prior to the strike, Netanyahu reportedly exerted repeated pressure on Trump, including evidence suggesting he urged the resumption of attacks just before the election. With the electoral outcome lost, oil prices surging, and the MAGA base furious, Israel swiftly distanced itself from responsibility.
Daan’s remarks reflect a calculated gamble: Israel is betting that domestic political turmoil in the United States will eventually revert to the familiar pattern of bipartisan support for Israel. But Vance has made clear what voters are signaling: they no longer wish to pay for Middle East conflicts. In fact, what Israel fears most today may not be Iranian missiles—but a fundamental shift in American public opinion. Especially concerning is Vance’s call to reassess the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1881086602943496/
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