As Trump casts doubt on Netanyahu's future, Likud rushes to reaffirm support
By questioning whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will run in the next Knesset elections, President Donald Trump may have dented one of the Israeli leader's key political assets ahead of the vote.
The Likud party was quick to deny on Wednesday the possibility raised by US President Donald Trump that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might choose not to run in the next elections. Yet analysts say the party has been counting on Trump's backing to boost Netanyahu's standing ahead of the election, raising questions about the political impact of recent signs of friction between the two leaders.
In a post on the X platform, the Likud party said Netanyahu “will run in the upcoming election and, God willing, will win.” However, opinion polls published over the past week show a decline in public support for Netanyahu’s political camp.
Trump comments sow doubt
Trump cast doubt on Tuesday on whether Netanyahu intends to continue his political career and lead his party in the next Knesset election, scheduled for Oct. 27. In an interview with ABC, Trump said he did not know whether Netanyahu planned to run again.
