Trump Signals He May Withhold Support for Netanyahu in Upcoming Election

Donald Trump is increasing pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and, according to a report he shared on his Truth Social account Friday, may not automatically back him in Israel’s next election. The article, published by Just the News, says Trump is signaling that his support is not guaranteed, especially against the backdrop of the U.S.-Iran understandings and Israel’s next moves in the region.

The report says Trump could condition any endorsement on Israel aligning with his preferred regional agenda, including ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and stabilizing oil prices. It warns that Israeli actions Trump sees as escalation, or as an effort to derail an agreement, could push him away from Netanyahu. The piece also says Trump is weighing other Israeli figures, including former prime minister Naftali Bennett and former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot.

The article cites Trump’s recent remarks to Kan News: “I need to see who’s running.” He also said, “I have good relations with Bibi, but he needs to be more rational. I’m ready to meet with him. He’s doing a very good job; he just needs to be a little more rational.” In addition, the report says Trump criticized Israel’s handling of operations in Lebanon, saying they have gone on too long and have been too aggressive.

The report points to Israeli strikes in Beirut near the signing of the U.S.-Iran memorandum and says Trump wants a “softer” approach that would deliver quicker results without broad civilian harm. It also says the comments of coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, who have suggested Israel is not bound by parts of the understandings, have heightened tensions with Trump. If Netanyahu is seen as obstructing the agreements or regional stability, the report says Trump may stay neutral or avoid giving him public backing.