Trump Allies Hoped for Netanyahu Election Defeat, Report Says

Some Washington officials, including former Trump administration members, were reportedly disappointed by the Israeli election results and the ensuing political deadlock, as they had hoped for an opposition victory to improve U.S.-Israel relations. According to Politico, some in Donald Trump's circle viewed Benjamin Netanyahu as an impediment to better bilateral ties, despite Trump's public support. One former U.S. official told Politico that the election presented an "opportunity to end the deterioration of relations with a less provocative government," noting a "certain weariness with Netanyahu" in Washington.

Criticism of Netanyahu reportedly spans partisan lines, including Democrats and some Republicans concerned about U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict. Senator Chris Murphy believes Netanyahu complicates U.S. efforts to exit the Iran conflict and that a new Netanyahu term could strengthen his influence on Trump regarding regime change in Tehran.

However, a former White House official close to the presidential circle explained that Trump's support for Netanyahu is based on both personal relations and tactical considerations, ensuring continuity if the Likud party wins. This official suggested that if another candidate like Eisenkot became prime minister, they would need Trump's assistance to access American support.

Several pro-Israel Republicans reportedly favor a gradual political transition, potentially through a national unity government excluding ministers Betsalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir, whom the former official described as complicating matters for U.S. relations. Donald Trump might play a role in Israeli political negotiations, possibly intervening to facilitate a national unity government, though one U.S. official believes he would wait several weeks before acting, observing the political landscape before potentially inviting Netanyahu and Eisenkot to Mar-a-Lago to broker a deal.