How much did Gaza affect the US election – and what does it mean for Australia?

Donald Trump is back, and his victory over Kamala Harris and the Democrats deserves much analysis.

Depending on who you ask, Trump won because of the economy, because his opponent was a woman, because the Democrats are too progressive, or even too conservative.

But another popular take has been put forward – the Democrats lost critical votes over America’s support for Israel in its ongoing wars which started with the Hamas attacks on October 7.

For simplicity, I’ll use ‘Gaza’ as shorthand for these wars, including battles with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iran.

To what extent did Gaza impact the Democrats’ loss last week, and what role might it play in Australia’s federal election due by May next year?