Jerusalem — The longstanding relationship between Israel and the United States is showing signs of increasing strain following recent political developments in New York City and broader shifts in American public opinion, according to Israeli officials and analysts.
Concerns have intensified after three pro-Palestinian candidates supported by New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani won competitive Democratic congressional primaries on Tuesday. These candidates—Brad Lander, Claire Valdez, and Darializa Avila Chevalier—have been outspoken critics of Israel, with some accusing the country of apartheid and questioning its legitimacy. Their victories highlight a growing trend of vocal skepticism toward Israel within parts of the U.S. Democratic Party.
Asaf Zamir, deputy mayor of Tel Aviv and former Israeli consul general in New York, expressed alarm at the election outcomes, noting that these candidates’ open criticism of Israel’s policies resonated even in New York, which hosts the world’s largest Jewish population after Jerusalem. “I’m waking up and hearing that we’re ‘genocidal’ and ‘apartheid,’” Zamir said. While identifying as a left-wing, pro-peace Israeli, he acknowledged the troubling nature of these narratives gaining traction in American politics.
This shift has compounded existing challenges for the U.S.-Israel alliance, which has faced renewed tensions under the administration of President Donald Trump. Israelis have been unsettled by Trump’s overtures toward Iran and his confrontational stance toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, raising doubts about Washington’s unfailing support. Experts warn that the alliance may soon face a critical juncture, with Princeton University professor and former U.S. ambassador to Israel Daniel C. Kurtzer describing the situation as approaching a “cliff.”
Public opinion surveys amplify these concerns. A New York Times/Siena poll in September indicated that American sympathy for Palestinians now surpasses that for Israel for the first time. Similarly, an April Pew Research Center survey found that 60% of Americans held unfavorable views of Israel, a significant increase from 42% in 2022. These shifts reflect growing unease with Israel’s conduct during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which followed the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, that killed around 1,200 Israelis and resulted in hostages being taken. The subsequent Israeli military campaign has caused widespread devastation in Gaza and heavy civilian casualties, drawing criticism in the United States and elsewhere.
Some analysts caution against overstating the influence of a small group of left-wing lawmakers. Michael Koplow of the Israel Policy Forum noted that while the newly elected members reflect broader changes, opposition to Israel has moved into the mainstream of Democratic discourse rather than remaining a fringe concern. This change coincides with diminishing U.S. identification with Israel as “the only democracy in the Middle East,” a status undermined in American eyes by Israeli policies toward Palestinians and internal political shifts.
Republican critics also question the strategic value of the U.S.-Israel partnership, especially as American voters face economic pressures attributed to geopolitical conflicts involving Iran. Alon Pinkas, a former Israeli consul general in New York, highlighted the emerging debate over whether Israel remains a strategic asset or is becoming a liability for the United States.
Despite these challenges, the United States continues to provide substantial military aid and political backing to Israel. The Trump administration has accelerated arms sales, supported Israel in peace negotiations with Hamas, and taken steps to curb anti-Israel activism on college campuses. However, Israeli officials acknowledge that measures traditionally taken for granted—such as consistent military aid and diplomatic support—may no longer be assured. Prime Minister Netanyahu has suggested a gradual reduction in reliance on U.S. military assistance.
Potential future actions by Washington or Congress that could signal dissatisfaction include revoking tax-exempt status for charities supporting West Bank settlements, a move that candidates like Claire Valdez have previously advocated at the state level. Analysts warn that such developments would mark a significant departure from previous U.S. policy and reflect a rapidly evolving and complex bilateral relationship.