Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will seek re-election in Israel’s upcoming polls, the Likud party confirmed Wednesday, following reports that US President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty regarding the Israeli leader’s political future. The election, required by law to take place before October 27, marks the first national vote since the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led incursion into Israel and the subsequent military campaign in Gaza.
## Likud Confirms Candidacy Following US Remarks
The Likud party issued a statement on X on Wednesday affirming that Netanyahu will stand for office, adding, “with God’s help, he will win.” This announcement followed comments reported by ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl on Tuesday. According to Karl, President Trump questioned whether Netanyahu should pursue another term, describing the 76-year-old leader as a “wartime prime minister” while suggesting that the conflict against Iran would be resolved “one way or the other” in the near future.
## Domestic Opposition and Polling Trends
Netanyahu’s path to re-election faces significant domestic challenges. A poll published Tuesday by the Israel Democracy Institute indicated that 61% of Israeli respondents oppose his candidacy for another term. The same survey found that 61% of those polled support implementing a two-term limit for future prime ministers.
Political opponents have intensified their criticism of the Prime Minister’s management of the nation’s security. Critics argue that despite Netanyahu’s stated objectives, his government has failed to dismantle Hamas in Gaza, neutralize Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon, or effectively contain Iran. These domestic critiques are compounded by the Prime Minister’s ongoing corruption trial.
## Diplomatic Tensions and Strategic Disagreements
The relationship between Washington and Jerusalem has shown signs of friction. According to reports cited by ABC News, President Trump acknowledged using profane language during a tense phone call with Netanyahu in early June. The disagreement reportedly centered on the Prime Minister’s hesitation to cease military operations in Lebanon while the US was engaged in negotiations with Tehran.
The upcoming election serves as a test for the current coalition’s strategy, which has been defined by the ongoing military response to the October 7 attacks. While the election date remains officially unannounced, the legal deadline of October 27 sets the timeline for the campaign. The government has yet to provide a specific date for the ballot.
