U.S. President Donald Trump questioned Tuesday whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to continue his political career, even as the Likud party confirmed Wednesday that the longtime leader will seek reelection. The exchange comes as an Israel Democracy Institute poll shows 61% of Israelis oppose a reelection bid by the 76-year-old premier, who has served as Israel’s longest-standing leader since 2009.
Why Trump’s comments on Netanyahu’s future matter
During an interview with ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl, Trump suggested that Netanyahu’s future is uncertain, asking, “Does he want to continue?” Trump characterized the Prime Minister as a “wartime prime minister” and noted that he, too, is a “wartime president.” This public speculation contrasts with the official position of the Likud party, which responded via X on Wednesday by stating that Netanyahu “will run in the upcoming election, and, God willing, will win.” Netanyahu, who faced no challengers during November primaries, maintains significant control over his party’s institutions despite intense domestic criticism regarding his leadership.
What the Israel Democracy Institute polling shows
Public sentiment toward a continued Netanyahu premiership remains sharply divided, according to data released Tuesday by the Israel Democracy Institute. While 61% of total respondents—including 57% of Jewish Israelis—oppose his candidacy, support remains firm within his political base. On the right, 69% of respondents favor his reelection. In contrast, opposition is high among other demographics, reaching 85% in the center-left and 97% on the left. Despite the opposition, a plurality of 36% of Jewish Israelis told pollsters that the pro-Netanyahu bloc has the highest chance of forming the next government, compared to 26% who favor the anti-Netanyahu coalition.
The political climate ahead of the next election
Israel’s next election must occur by October 27, though an official date has not yet been set. The campaign is expected to center on Netanyahu’s responsibility for the strategic failures surrounding the October 7, 2023, Hamas onslaught, as well as allegations of corruption and the undermining of democratic institutions. While many Israelis credit him for his wartime conduct and international relationships, the political landscape remains volatile. Analysts expect the results to be highly dependent on potential shifts in party alliances, as current polling is often considered unreliable in the Israeli context. Additionally, 61% of Israelis now support the implementation of a two-term limit for future prime ministers, reflecting a broader desire for change among the electorate.
