Democratic Congress poised to reassess US support for Israel

Democrats secured control of both the Senate and House in Tuesday's midterm elections, positioning the party to launch its most significant reassessment of US support for Israel in decades. The electoral shift followed a campaign heavily influenced by voter anger over the Iran war and growing skepticism toward military aid for Israel.

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he had reached an agreement with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end annual security assistance to Israel, though legal experts question his authority to halt the billions in military aid sent annually. Vice President JD Vance also identified Israel as a key issue for disgruntled Republican voters, suggesting a potential realignment within the party.

While Democratic leaders plan to increase scrutiny of military aid and West Bank violence through hearings and nominee challenges, their ability to force major policy changes remains limited by the president's veto power. Analysts note that a new Israeli government, potentially less aligned with Republicans, could further influence the dynamic as Congress prepares to take office in January.

Read the full story at Central Oregon Daily.