Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will seek re-election in the next national vote, his Likud party said on Wednesday, hours after US President Donald Trump publicly questioned whether the veteran leader intended to remain in politics.
In a brief statement, Likud said the leader would contest the election, which must be held by October. "He will run in the election and, God willing, he will win," the party said, according to Reuters.
The announcement came after ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl said Trump had expressed uncertainty about Netanyahu's political future during a conversation. Posting on X, Karl quoted Trump as saying: "I don't know, he's had an amazing career. Does he want to continue?"
The exchange drew attention as it came amid continuing debate in Israel over Netanyahu's political future and growing claims of declining public support ahead of the country's first election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
Netanyahu has faced a tumultuous term since returning to office in December 2022, leading a coalition widely described as the most right-wing government in Israel's history. His current term has been marked by mass anti-government protests, the Gaza war and subsequent conflicts involving Lebanon and Iran.
Public opinion surveys have repeatedly suggested challenges for Netanyahu and his coalition heading into the next election. According to a poll published on June 9 by the Jerusalem-based Israel Democracy Institute, about 61% of Israelis believe Netanyahu should not run again.
However, the same political landscape has complicated prospects for the opposition. Polling also indicated that opposition parties may struggle to secure a parliamentary majority unless they cooperate with Arab political parties, a step some opposition leaders have ruled out.
The question of Netanyahu's future has also intersected with his relationship with Trump, which has remained under scrutiny despite both leaders maintaining close ties. Reuters reported that US and Israeli officials described Trump and Netanyahu as having a strong relationship, although tensions have surfaced periodically, including in recent weeks as Washington pursued negotiations with Tehran while urging Israel to limit military action in Lebanon.
Last week, Trump publicly acknowledged a heated exchange with the Israeli leader. "I called him 'fu***** crazy'," Trump said, while also insisting that the two leaders continue to have a good relationship.
Trump has also repeatedly urged Israel's president to pardon Netanyahu over corruption charges that the Israeli leader denies. Netanyahu has consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing and maintained that the legal proceedings against him are politically motivated.
