Trump fuels speculation over Netanyahu’s political future
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finds himself in one of the most sensitive phases of his political career, as confrontations between Tel Aviv and Tehran have intensified over the past two days.
The recent heavy exchanges of fire between the two sides have heightened concerns within the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding its ability to restrain Israel, its main regional ally, according to U.S. officials cited by ABC News.
On Sunday, Trump spoke with Netanyahu after Iran launched a barrage of missiles toward Israel, in an effort to dissuade him from carrying out a retaliatory strike. However, Israel responded to the Iranian attack at dawn on Monday.
As Israel and Iran continued exchanging attacks, two sources familiar with the conversation said that the president and his closest advisers quickly grew concerned about the intensity of the exchanges and the risk of a return to full-scale war. This prompted Trump to make a second call to Netanyahu, in which he strongly urged him to cancel further strikes.
Later, both Israel and Iran announced a suspension of mutual attacks, while warning that they could resume escalation if provoked, a scenario that Trump administration officials increasingly consider likely, particularly amid rising tensions in Lebanon.
Netanyahu’s future
In a notable development reflecting the escalation of the crisis, Trump raised questions about Netanyahu’s political future, suggesting that it was unclear whether the Israeli prime minister intends to run in the next elections or continue in politics.
As Israeli elections approach, an ABC News journalist reported that President Trump had expressed doubts about Netanyahu’s continued political career.
ABC News correspondent Jonathan reported Trump as saying: “He’s had an outstanding career. Does he want to continue? Because, you know, he’s a wartime prime minister. We’re going to win the war very soon.”
Last month, Netanyahu appeared to enlist Trump in what looked like the launch of his electoral campaign, posting on Telegram an edited video featuring Trump’s voice expressing support amid the ongoing war.
In the video circulated by Netanyahu, Trump is shown praising him, with excerpts from several previous speeches.
Among the images, Trump and Netanyahu are seen shaking hands in front of the Israeli and U.S. flags, while the American president says: “If they hadn’t had a strong prime minister, Israel might not even exist. Other leaders could have taken power, but they would have failed — he won.”
Tense phone call
These developments come about a week after a phone call between the two men that, according to media reports, was marked by extreme tension, if not outright hostility from Trump.
According to the reports, Trump was furious with Netanyahu’s response and used profane insults. He also reportedly described the Israeli prime minister as “crazy” and accused him of ingratitude.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, a senior U.S. official said Trump told Netanyahu that carrying out threats to bomb the Lebanese capital would only further isolate Israel internationally.
Two sources said Trump also mentioned that he had “helped Netanyahu avoid prison,” referring to his support for a pardon request.
On Wednesday, Iran and the United States exchanged strikes over the course of several hours, after Trump accused Tehran of shooting down a U.S. helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz, marking the latest confrontation between the two countries since the April ceasefire agreement.
