Democrats Take Congress in Midterms as Israeli Media Warn of ‘Political Earthquake’

By Palestine Chronicle Staff

US President Donald Trump. (Photo: Wikimedia. Design: Palestine Chronicle)

Democrats captured both congressional chambers in a sweeping rebuke of Trump, prompting Israeli alarm over Washington’s support and AIPAC’s electoral setbacks.

Key Takeaways

• Democrats won control of the House and Senate amid voter dissatisfaction over living costs, government corruption and the war on Iran.
• Israeli media described the results as a political earthquake, while Yair Golan warned that Netanyahu’s leadership risked sanctions and isolation.
• Abdul El-Sayed’s won in Michigan after a campaign marked by substantial spending against him by AIPAC-linked groups.

Democrats Capture Congress in Rebuke to Trump

Democrats won control of both chambers of the US Congress in Tuesday’s midterm elections, delivering a major defeat to President Donald Trump and giving the opposition new powers to investigate his administration and challenge its legislative agenda.

The Associated Press described Democratic victories across states including Texas, Iowa, Kansas, Ohio and North Carolina, extending well beyond traditional battlegrounds.

Among the Senate victories reported by PBS were James Talarico’s defeat of Ken Paxton in Texas, Adam Hamilton’s victory over incumbent Roger Marshall in Kansas and Sherrod Brown’s defeat of Jon Husted in Ohio.

Democrat Troy Jackson also defeated Republican Senator Susan Collins in Maine, while Roy Cooper won North Carolina’s open Senate seat.

Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer called the results a “generational remake of the Senate map.” House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries said, “The American people are crying out for transformational change.”

Trump rejected the suggestion that voters had personally repudiated him, telling Fox News they “didn’t like the candidates.” He said he would accept the results but threatened to veto Democratic legislation.

Democratic leaders have indicated that congressional control will bring investigations into senior administration officials and Trump’s family finances. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former Trump adviser Elon Musk were identified in the PBS report as possible investigation targets.

Israeli Alarm and AIPAC Setbacks

Israeli media reacted with concern over the implications for Washington’s relationship with Netanyahu’s government, according to Quds News Network’s account of Hebrew-language coverage.

Israeli newspapers Maariv and Walla described the results as a “political earthquake,” while an i24 correspondent characterized the Democratic advance as a “tsunami.”

Israel’s Channel 12 highlighted the election of six new House members it described as particularly outspoken critics of Israel. Channel 14 portrayed the results as a severe setback for both Trump and Israel.

The reactions reflected anxiety over growing criticism within the Democratic Party of Israel’s genocide in Gaza and unconditional US military support.

Israeli Democrats leader Yair Golan linked the outcome to Netanyahu’s deteriorating political standing in Washington. He warned that keeping Netanyahu and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir in office could lead to international sanctions, isolation and confrontation with the US.

Quds News Network also highlighted defeats for candidates backed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and affiliated organizations.

In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers after previously beating AIPAC-backed Haley Stevens in the Democratic Senate primary. Stevens endorsed Rogers after losing the Democratic primary.

American press reports put spending by AIPAC-linked groups supporting Stevens at more than $30 million.

El-Sayed campaigned against using American taxpayers’ money to fund wars and genocide, the network reported. His victory drew hostile commentary from Israel’s Channel 14, including accusations by foreign affairs editor Ben Yaniv linking him to the Muslim Brotherhood.

The United Democracy Project, AIPAC’s affiliated political action committee, spent tens of millions of dollars supporting pro-Israel candidates and opposing critics during the election cycle, according to Quds News Network.

Voter Anger and the Fight Over US Policy

Economic dissatisfaction and concerns about corruption were central to the election, according to the AP Voter Poll cited by PBS.

Approximately three-quarters of voters described the economy as “not so good” or “poor,” while around eight in 10 said inflation had caused moderate or severe hardship for their households.

Roughly half identified government corruption and the cost of living as crucial to their congressional vote. Around six in 10 said Trump prioritized his personal interests over the country’s.

The war on Iran also contributed to voter frustration, alongside disputes over immigration enforcement and other administration policies.

Democrats’ gains extended to gubernatorial races. Gina Hinojosa defeated Republican Governor Greg Abbott in Texas, while Amy Acton defeated Vivek Ramaswamy in Ohio, PBS reported.

In Congress, Democratic control creates opportunities to scrutinize military operations, arms transfers and administration decisions concerning Israel and Iran.

It also gives lawmakers greater influence over legislation and funding, although Trump retains presidential powers and the ability to veto bills.

For Israel, the immediate significance lies in the prospect of stronger congressional oversight and a larger platform for lawmakers challenging unconditional military assistance. Whether that translates into policy changes will depend on the positions and legislative choices of the incoming Congress.

(PC, US Media, QNN, Israeli media)