Netanyahu warns of a 'very hostile' future US president, courts India and Latin America
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that a future United States president could be "very hostile" to Israel, and has called for new alliances — including with India and countries in Latin America — to strengthen his country's position.
Mr. Netanyahu made the remarks on Sunday at an event where he presented his security doctrine, nine days before Israel's election on October 27. The comments came hours before US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed his re-election bid.
"In two years, a President, man or woman, could come to power who is very hostile to Israel," Mr. Netanyahu said. "How would you deal with that? How would you operate in relation to the United States? And beyond that, what solutions would be necessary?"
The Israeli Prime Minister said Israel must use the remaining years of Mr. Trump's presidency to shore up its position while preparing for a possible shift in American policy. "First, we must do everything we can during these two years, and during the following two years, in the American arena, through good times and bad," he said.
The second element, he said, is to build other alliances. "That is what I am working on now with many countries in our region and outside it. India is not a small country, and there are many others," he said.
He also pointed to political developments in Latin America as an opportunity to widen Israel's network of allies. "There is a major shift in Latin America, and there could be an enormous change in Brazil in just a few days," he said, adding, "We must expand our pool of alliances and develop capabilities that make us valuable to everyone."
Mr. Netanyahu has frequently cited India, and his working relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to argue that Israel is not isolated internationally and to highlight his government's diplomatic record. In May this year, in a widely reported statement, he said Israel enjoys a "unique relationship" with India, describing it as a "huge power" where there is "crazy love" for Israel.
Analysts in Israel have attributed growing unease among Democrats in the United States to choices Mr. Netanyahu has made over the years. His relations with Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden were often tense, which he has presented to his supporters as the courage of a strong leader willing to stand up to American presidents in defence of Israeli interests. Analysts say this has been a cornerstone of his election campaigns. He is Israel's longest-serving prime minister.
Gadi Eisenkot, the main challenger to the Prime Minister in the upcoming polls, sharply criticised the presentation, describing it as an empty political exercise rather than a serious national security strategy.
"Nine days before the election and three years after the gravest failure and disaster in Israel's history, with every war front still open, Netanyahu decided to present his 'security doctrine' to the public," Mr. Eisenkot said.
"Two hollow pages, full of slogans that have nothing whatsoever to do with a security doctrine, reveal more than anything the strategic vacuum Mr. Netanyahu has left the State of Israel in and his disregard for the security of Israeli citizens," he said.
Mr. Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces, accused the Prime Minister of attempting to manipulate public opinion and spread fear ahead of the vote. "This is Mr. Netanyahu's method: manipulating perceptions, frightening people and trying to divert attention from the parade of lies and racism surrounding his campaign tonight," he said.
The exchange underlines how security and Israel's standing abroad have become central issues in the election campaign, which is being held while military operations continue on several fronts — a point Mr. Eisenkot referenced in his criticism of the Prime Minister.
