Netanyahu Warns of Hostile US President, Urges India Ties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday that a future U.S. president could be hostile toward Israel, urging the country to strengthen alliances with nations like India and those in Latin America. His remarks came during an event where he outlined his security doctrine nine days before Israel’s national election on October 27.
Netanyahu Warns of Future US Hostility
Netanyahu cautioned that within two years, a president, man or woman, might emerge who is “very hostile to Israel” and questioned how Israel would manage such a scenario. He emphasized the need to maximize opportunities during the remaining years of Donald Trump’s presidency while preparing for potential policy shifts. “We must do everything we can during these two years, and during the following two years, in the American arena, through good times and bad,” he stated.
The Israeli leader highlighted India and Latin American nations as key partners in diversifying diplomatic support. Describing India as “not a small country,” Netanyahu noted ongoing efforts to strengthen regional ties. He pointed to political changes in Latin America, particularly Brazil, as a chance to expand Israel’s global network. “We must expand our pool of alliances and develop capabilities that make us valuable to everyone,” he said.
Netanyahu frequently references India to counter claims of global isolation, citing his rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as evidence of diplomatic success. In May, he described Israel’s relationship with India as “unique” and noted “crazy love” for Israel there. Analysts, however, link strained relations with U.S. Democrats to Netanyahu’s long-standing conflicts with Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden. This tension has become a central theme in his election campaigns, reinforcing his image as a defiant leader protecting Israel’s interests.
Election Challenger Attacks Security Doctrine
Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main election rival and former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces, sharply criticized the security doctrine presentation. Calling it an “empty political exercise” rather than a serious strategy, Eisenkot argued it revealed a “strategic vacuum” left by Netanyahu and a disregard for citizen security. He noted that the presentation came three years after a major military failure, with ongoing conflicts unresolved.
Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of manipulating public fear and diverting attention from his campaign’s controversial rhetoric. “This is Netanyahu’s method: manipulating perceptions, frightening people and trying to divert attention from the parade of lies and racism surrounding his campaign tonight,” he alleged.
