Trump Backs Netanyahu Amidst Growing US Administration Doubts

Despite public endorsements from U.S. President Donald Trump, dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly growing within his administration. Axios reports that some of Trump's closest advisors believe a change in Israeli government could create new opportunities for Washington's Middle East strategy. While Trump has a long-standing relationship with Netanyahu, the White House increasingly questions if he remains the most suitable partner for achieving U.S. goals in the region. One advisor described Trump's view of Netanyahu as "the devil he knows."

Trump publicly supported Netanyahu ahead of the Israeli elections, suggesting the outcome could impact bilateral relations. However, U.S. officials suggest Trump could benefit regardless of the vote's result. A Netanyahu victory could be framed as a political success for Trump, potentially yielding concessions. Conversely, a new opposition government would likely seek strong ties with Washington.

Many of Trump's advisors reportedly opposed his public backing of Netanyahu, arguing against U.S. interference in Israeli elections. Notably, Vice President J.D. Vance did not join the endorsement, emphasizing his non-interference in foreign campaigns. Sources indicate Vance is among senior officials disappointed with Netanyahu's actions during the conflict with Iran, believing the Israeli prime minister's pre-war assessments were flawed, further eroding confidence in his ability to advance Trump's regional plans.

Over the past six months, discontent with Netanyahu's policies has extended to several key areas of U.S. Middle East strategy. In Gaza, Trump representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly disappointed by Netanyahu's reluctance to advance the U.S. peace plan. In Syria, envoy Tom Barrack is concerned about Israeli actions and ongoing military operations. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his team maintain constructive relations, they believe Israel could do more to bolster the Lebanese government and take stronger measures against settler violence in the West Bank. Some in the administration feel an Israeli government without Netanyahu's far-right partners would be easier to work with.

Final election polls suggest Netanyahu's bloc may win around 50 out of 120 Knesset seats, falling short of the 61 needed to form a government. His Likud party is projected to lose seats, while the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot is expected to perform better. However, forming a stable government remains challenging due to coalition complexities. If no bloc secures a majority, Israel could face a political crisis, with Netanyahu continuing as caretaker prime minister. The election results will also influence Trump's strategy regarding Iran and his pursuit of a Middle East peace plan, including potential Israel-Lebanon and Israel-Syria agreements, and a historic Saudi-Israel peace deal.