Israel’s center wants Democrats back. It may not have the cards.

The parties that once anchored Israel's ties to Democrats have collapsed electorally — and even a post-Netanyahu government may struggle to win back a Democratic Party that's already moved on.

Former Israeli prime ministers Naftali Bennett, left, and Yair Lapid hold a joint press conference announcing that their parties will run together in the upcoming elections, in Herzliya, Israel, April 26, 2026. | Ariel Schalit/AP

TEL AVIV, Israel — Parties representing Israel’s center are trying to win back U.S. Democrats with a promise: We’ve got a path to unseat Benjamin Netanyahu and change Israel for the better.

But the political strategy they’re pursuing to oust the Israeli prime minister — forging alliances with right-wing figures who share many of his hawkish positions — could make that promise harder to deliver.

With Israeli elections looming by October and Democratic support for Israel plunging, opposition leaders are betting that Netanyahu’s exit alone will be enough to reset ties with Washington. Interviews with Israeli politicians, advisers and U.S. officials suggest the reality may be more complicated.

© Politico