Netanyahu to seek re-election as party confirms candidacy

TLE Desk: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will seek another term in office in this year’s national election, his Likud party confirmed on Wednesday, following remarks by US President Donald Trump that raised questions about whether the veteran leader intended to run again, reports Reuters.

In a brief statement, the ruling Likud party said Netanyahu would contest the upcoming election and expressed confidence in his victory. Israel is required to hold a national election by October, although a date has not yet been formally announced.

Earlier on Wednesday, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl said on X that Trump had told him he was uncertain whether Netanyahu planned to seek re-election.

“I don’t know, he’s had an amazing career. Does he want to continue?” Karl quoted Trump as saying.

The election will be Israel’s first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza and marked one of the country’s most significant security failures.

Netanyahu, who returned to power in December 2022 leading the most right-wing coalition in Israel’s history, has faced mounting political challenges. His government was confronted by mass anti-government protests even before the conflicts involving Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.

Opinion polls have consistently suggested that Netanyahu’s coalition could struggle to secure a parliamentary majority in the next election. A survey released on June 9 by the Jerusalem-based Israel Democracy Institute found that 61 percent of Israelis believe he should not run again.

However, polling also indicates that opposition parties may be unable to form a governing majority without support from Arab parties, an option some opposition leaders have rejected.

Despite occasional tensions, US and Israeli officials say Netanyahu and Trump continue to maintain a close relationship. Differences have emerged in recent weeks as Trump has urged Israel to limit military operations in Lebanon while Washington pursues diplomatic efforts with Iran.

Last week, Trump acknowledged reports that he had described Netanyahu as “fucking crazy” during a heated phone conversation, but added that the two leaders still get along well.

Trump has also repeatedly called on Israel’s president to pardon Netanyahu over long-running corruption charges, allegations that the Israeli premier has consistently denied.