Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Danny Danon has cautioned that Israel could face greater challenges in Washington following the Democratic Party’s victories in the 2026 US midterm elections, pointing to growing criticism of Israel among some members of Congress.
Israel’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has responded to the Democratic Party’s victory in the US midterm elections, warning that the results could make it more difficult for Israel to maintain political support in Washington.
Speaking to Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS, Danon acknowledged the growing influence of lawmakers who openly oppose US military assistance to Israel and have called for changes to Washington’s longstanding relationship with the country.
“It will be harder for us,” Danon said, referring to the changing political environment in Congress. However, he maintained that Israel still has supporters across the political spectrum and said the country would continue working with both Republicans and Democrats.
The Democratic victory gives the party control of both chambers of Congress, increasing its ability to scrutinise US foreign policy, hold hearings and challenge aspects of military assistance to Israel.
Danon also criticised newly elected Michigan lawmaker Abdul El-Sayed, who campaigned against US military funding for Israel. He argued that some political opponents of Israel would remain critical regardless of the policies pursued by the Israeli government.
US-Israel Relations Face Growing Political Debate
Danon’s remarks come amid a wider debate in the United States over military support for Israel, particularly following the war in Gaza and the recent conflict involving Iran.
Support for Israel, historically a largely bipartisan issue in Washington, has become increasingly contested, with some Democratic lawmakers questioning continued military assistance and calling for greater scrutiny of Israeli military operations.
Addressing the future of US-Israel defence cooperation, Danon pointed to the possibility of greater joint investment in military technology, including systems such as Iron Dome, arguing that cooperation benefits both countries.
He also rejected suggestions that Israel was responsible for the United States’ decision to attack Iran or for the resulting increase in American energy prices. Danon maintained that Washington made the decision independently, although Israel supported the operation.
Despite the political challenges, Danon expressed confidence that the United States would continue supporting Israel at the United Nations, including through its use of veto powers in the Security Council.
The Democratic takeover of Congress is expected to bring increased scrutiny of the Trump administration’s foreign policy and could place additional pressure on the traditionally close US-Israel relationship.
