Netanyahu Not Done Yet: After Trump Raises Doubts, Likud Confirms Israel PM Will Run For Re-Election
Netanyahu Not Done Yet: After Trump Raises Doubts, Likud Confirms Israel PM Will Run For Re-Election Published By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 16:53 IST
Netanyahu Not Done Yet: After Trump Raises Doubts, Likud Confirms Israel PM Will Run For Re-Election Published By, Last Updated: June 10, 2026, 16:53 IST Likud's announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump publicly questioned whether Netanyahu intended to remain in politics. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Photo: X) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will contest the country’s next general election, his Likud party announced on Wednesday, putting to rest speculation over his political future. In a brief statement, the ruling party said Netanyahu would seek re-election and added that, “God willing", he would win. The election has not yet been formally announced, but under current timelines it must be held by October. The announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump publicly questioned whether Netanyahu intended to remain in politics. What Trump said on Netanyahu? Earlier in the day, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl said on X that Trump was unsure about Netanyahu’s plans.
According to Karl, Trump remarked, “I don’t know, he’s had an amazing career. Does he want to continue?" The comments triggered fresh discussion about Netanyahu’s future at a time when Israel is preparing for its first national election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. The attack, widely regarded as Israel’s worst security failure, led to the war in Gaza and reshaped the country’s political landscape. Challenging political environment Netanyahu returned to office in December 2022 at the head of what has been described as the most right-wing coalition in Israel’s history. His current term has been marked by political turbulence and regional conflict. Before the wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, his government faced large anti-government protests across the country. Since then, the Prime Minister has continued to face political pressure amid ongoing security challenges and domestic criticism. Recent opinion polls have repeatedly 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 per cent of Israelis believe Netanyahu should not run again. Opposition faces its own challenges Despite concerns about support for Netanyahu, opposition parties are also confronting difficulties in building an alternative governing coalition. Polls indicate that a potential opposition alliance may fail to secure a parliamentary majority unless it includes Arab parties. Some opposition leaders, however, have ruled out such an arrangement, complicating efforts to form a viable alternative government. Netanyahu’s relationship with Trump remains under focus According to US and Israeli officials, Trump and Netanyahu continue to maintain a close relationship despite occasional disagreements. The two leaders jointly launched the Iran war in February, but tensions have surfaced in recent weeks as Trump pressed Israel to limit military operations in Lebanon while Washington pursued negotiations with Tehran. Last week, Trump acknowledged that he had called Netanyahu “fucking crazy" during a heated phone conversation, although he also said the two leaders get along well.
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