Concern in Likud: Eroding Support for Trump in Israel Could Affect the Campaign

In the circle of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Likud officials, concern has grown in recent days over a shift in Israeli public opinion toward U.S. President Donald Trump. Although support for him is still considered high, especially among right-wing voters, recent data indicate a gradual decline in his popularity among the Israeli public, Channel 14 reported.

Political sources attribute the change mainly to developments in Trump’s policy toward Iran. While he previously projected a firm and clear line toward Tehran, his recent efforts to advance understandings and agreements with the Iranian government, along with the impression of a possible easing of sanctions policy, are drawing criticism and disappointment among Israelis who support a tougher stance against Iran.

The trend presents a significant challenge for Netanyahu, both on the diplomatic and security front and on the political front. On the security side, there are assessments of concern about erosion in the strategic coordination between Israel and the United States against Iran. On the political side, Likud’s campaign relies in part on emphasizing its ties with Trump and on his image as a political figure identified with a hard line and support for Israel.

According to campaign plans, Trump is expected to play a central role in the upcoming election. Among other things, the possibility is being examined of a meeting between him and Netanyahu in the United States during September, as well as a reciprocal visit by Trump to Israel close to the opening of the polls. However, political observers assess that the decline in public support for him in Israel could weaken the political impact of the planned moves and reduce their contribution to the Likud campaign.