Netanyahu Secures Strong US Support from Trump Amidst Israeli Political Tensions
On July 28, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump at the White House amid heightened tensions and media speculation about the meeting's outcome. Prior to the meeting, Netanyahu was unsettled by Trump's public criticism of him for leaking Israeli intelligence about activities on Mount Hermon, which Trump said should have been shared privately. Despite this, the 90-minute meeting proved highly positive for Netanyahu, who left visibly relieved and upbeat.
During the meeting, Trump reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a key concern for Israel. He also upheld all previous promises regarding Iran and refrained from exerting pressure on Israel concerning Gaza, Lebanon, or Syria. The meeting reinforced Israel's hold on territories captured in Gaza and along the northern border. This was Netanyahu's primary objective, and he achieved exactly what he wanted.
The encounter was Netanyahu's eighth with Trump in under two years, with further meetings expected in New York during the UN General Assembly and possibly in Israel before upcoming elections. Despite external signs fueling narratives of a strained relationship, such as no red carpet on arrival and a private meeting without media, official protocols explained these details, including weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Israeli politics remain volatile. Former IDF Chief Gadi Eizenkot expressed concerns about the fractured right-wing camp, particularly regarding Naftali Bennett and Avigdor Lieberman, who may challenge his leadership ambitions. Bennett is seen as primarily motivated by personal power, while Eizenkot aims to unite the right-wing bloc to defeat Netanyahu and restore judicial authority. The right-wing faces challenges from parties like the Democratic camp, which openly supports territorial concessions and opposes Netanyahu.
Within the Likud party, efforts continue to consolidate support, including among Russian-speaking voters, with Ze'ev Elkin preparing for primaries against rivals. Speaker of the Knesset Amir Ohana has played a significant role in efforts to curb judicial power, resisting Supreme Court rulings and opposition pressure, exemplified by his handling of the planned speech by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the refusal to hold a repeat vote for State Comptroller.
Netanyahu remains confident despite current polls, recalling past electoral comebacks and emphasizing the need for a new right-wing party to secure victory. The political landscape is still fluid, with key candidates yet to finalize their runs and alliances. Netanyahu aims to maneuver strategically once the field is clearer, seeking to unite or neutralize rivals to maintain his hold on power.
