American Jews who fled to Israel over rising antisemitism could prove decisive for Netanyahus future

JERUSALEM — Thousands of Americans Jews who fled to Israel amid rising antisemitism in the US could be pivotal in Tuesday’s national election — and most of them appear to be breaking for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, observers say.An estimated 3,500 Americans have been making Aliyah — moving to the Jewish state — each of the last two years in the wake of the Oct.7, 2023 terrorist attacks, and the subsequent war in Gaza and anti-Israel protests across the US.

There are now an estimated 500,000 American Israelis — including about 200,000 from New York City, Marc Zell, the Chairman of Republicans Overseas Israel, told The Post.He believes that 80-90% of the transplants “vote overwhelmingly Republican” — and they’re also backing Netanyahu in his push for reelection.Much of Tuesday’s election has come down to whether voters blame Netanyahu for security failures that allowed the Oct.7 attacks, or whether they think he is the strongest one to lead the country through a multi-front war.

Netanyahu’s main rival in the election is former Israel Defense Forces chief Gadi Eisenkot.“I fully support Bibi openly in this election,” Zell said, using Netanyahu’s nickname.He added: “To hang Oct.

7 around Bibi’s neck is unfair.”Zell said he believes Israel “needs an independent commission that squarely addresses what happened” on Oct.7.

However, Netanyahu has not endorsed an independent state inquiry into the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.Zell, who has been living in Israel since 1986, said he believe Netanyahu bears responsibility for Oct.

7 but “others share in the responsibility.”He cited the pressing need to “take steps to remove the Iranian threat” and argues that the “soul searching” associated with the independent investigation should take place after the war.Heather Stone, the Vice Chair of American Democrats in Israel, disputed Zell’s assessment.Stone, who is an attorney from New Jersey and moved to Is...