Trump: "Extreme hatred for Israel" contributed to Republicans losing the election

US President Donald Trump said that "intense hatred for Israel" was one of the reasons for the Republicans' loss in the midterm elections, in addition to the Iran war and the rise in gasoline prices it caused.

Trump said in an interview with the "60 Minutes" program on the "CBS" network, which was broadcast on Monday: "I think that if my name had been on the ballot, the situation would have been completely different. You have seen the amount of popularity and love that I enjoy."

He added: "But there is more than that. They did not want war, and they did not like the rise in gasoline prices, even though I had reduced them to low levels. There is also an incredibly strong hatred for Israel."

Trump's statements highlight a radical shift in the American political scene. After Israel previously enjoyed the support of the Republican and Democratic parties, and with strong support from presidents belonging to both parties, the amount of American military and financial support for it has become a recurring political burden, which was clearly evident during the midterm elections.

Democratic Senator-elect from Michigan, Abdul Rahman Al-Sayyed, may have been the most prominent critic of Israel during the elections, but he was by no means the only one.

US Vice President J.D. Vance also indicated that Republicans must reconsider their firm support for Israel in the next stage.

Trump expressed his agreement with Vance's point of view that the war with Iran was among the reasons for the Republicans' loss, but at the same time he stressed that he does not regret his decision to wage this war.

"Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon," Trump said. "I think this is a very correct decision from a historical perspective. Is it a good decision for today or tomorrow? Maybe not. But, you know, I have to do what's right for our country. If they had had a nuclear weapon on my watch, I would have been subjected to far more harsh criticism than I have already faced."

The president also stated that other countries, including Israel, would have to share the costs of the war.

“The countries we protected will pay us back the full costs we incurred because of the war,” Trump said. “Without us, those countries would not exist. Without us, Israel would not exist.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long presented himself as the leader most capable of managing the relationship with the United States, and with Trump in particular. But within a few days, Trump hinted at the possibility of fundamental changes.

Israeli journalist Amir Tibon wrote on the “X” platform: “Democrats and Republicans are competing with each other over who can distance themselves from us the most.”

He added: "If we do not act quickly, the new Congress will begin to block arms sales." Tebbon called for the formation of a new government capable of starting to "repair the damage that Netanyahu is leaving behind."

On US Election Day, Trump stated that he would end $4 billion in annual aid to Israel, potentially eliminating a key pillar of Israel's security strategy.

Days later, Netanyahu said that this aid would turn into a “partnership,” without clarifying whether Trump had informed him in advance of this sudden announcement.

On Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog implicitly indicated a change in American and international perceptions towards Israel, while assigning Netanyahu's rival, Gadi Eisenkot, the task of forming the next government.

“The challenges facing the State of Israel are enormous, and some of them require urgent and immediate attention,” Herzog said.

He added: "Iran does not stop for a moment in its plans and threats. Therefore, we must work to build a diplomatic horizon in the region and prepare for the aftermath of the war."