Trump Aides Draft Plan to Work With Israeli Opposition if Netanyahu Falls
Internal polling shows the opposition bloc holds a 54 to 48 seat lead as the White House prepares for a potential change in government in Jerusalem.
By Layla Edwards ·
White House staff have drafted contingency plans to engage with the political opposition if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loses Israel's upcoming election, US officials told Axios. The move reflects a shift in internal strategy as polling data indicates the incumbent is trailing his rivals ahead of the October 27 vote.
One adviser described Netanyahu as "the devil [Trump] knows," suggesting a preference for a new partner if the current leader is defeated. Many of the president's closest aides opposed his decision to endorse Netanyahu, arguing the US should remain neutral in the Israeli race. Vice President JD Vance recently declined to back the prime minister, stating, "I'm not attacking Bibi Netanyahu. I'm not endorsing Bibi Netanyahu. I think the president's endorsement is ultimately what matters."
Strains over Israeli policy have deepened within the administration. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack criticized recent military operations in Syria, calling strikes on a base in the Idlib province an "unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability." He raised concerns about the Netanyahu government's approach to the conflict.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his team maintain a closer relationship with the prime minister but hold distinct policy views. They believe Israel could do more to strengthen Lebanon's government. The State Department has also expressed frustration with what they view as Netanyahu's failure to curb settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank.
The Maariv poll released this week shows the opposition bloc widening its lead to 54 seats, while Netanyahu's bloc dropped to 48. In a head-to-head matchup for prime minister, opposition leader Eisenkot led the incumbent with 49% support against 41% for Netanyahu.
The survey indicates that 60% of respondents would prefer a unity government if the election fails to produce a clear governing majority. Among those favoring a unity coalition, 33% wanted a candidate from the opposition bloc to lead it, compared with 19% who preferred Netanyahu. Another 8% supported a unity government regardless of leadership, while 23% favored holding another election and 17% remained undecided.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
