Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, Oct 19: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that a future US president could be hostile towards Israel, calling for stronger alliances with countries such as India and nations in Latin America to safeguard his country's strategic interests.
Netanyahu made the remarks while presenting his security doctrine, nine days before Israel's October 27 election. His 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," Netanyahu said, questioning how the country should respond to such a shift in Washington's policy.
He stressed that Israel must use the remaining years of Trump's presidency to strengthen its position while preparing for possible changes in the US political landscape.
"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.
Netanyahu said Israel must simultaneously expand its international partnerships and reduce its dependence on any single ally.
"The second thing is to create 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 strengthen Israel's diplomatic network, suggesting that Brazil could witness a significant political shift.
"There is a major shift in Latin America, and there could be an enormous change in Brazil in just a few days," Netanyahu said, adding that Israel must broaden its alliances and develop capabilities that make it valuable to other countries.
India's Strategic Importance
Netanyahu has frequently cited India's growing importance to Israel and his close relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as evidence that his country is not diplomatically isolated.
In May this year, amid criticism of Israel over the prolonged war and concerns about its international standing, Netanyahu described India's relationship with Israel as unique and referred to the strong public affection for Israel in the country.
His latest remarks underline the importance he attaches to partnerships beyond Washington, particularly as political divisions in the United States raise questions about the future of bipartisan support for Israel.
Several analysts in Israel believe that growing disillusionment among Democrats stems partly from Netanyahu's political choices over the years.
His relations with Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden were frequently strained. Analysts say Netanyahu presented these confrontations to his supporters as evidence of his willingness to stand up to American presidents to defend Israel's interests.
This approach has remained a recurring feature of his election campaigns and, according to analysts, has helped strengthen his image among supporters. Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister.
Eisenkot attacks security doctrine
Meanwhile, Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu's main challenger in the upcoming election, sharply criticised the security doctrine presentation, describing it as a 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," Eisenkot said.
He argued that the presentation lacked substantive policy proposals and failed to address the country's security challenges.
"Two hollow pages, full of slogans that have nothing whatsoever to do with a security doctrine, reveal more than anything the strategic vacuum Netanyahu has left the State of Israel in and his disregard for the security of Israeli citizens," he asserted.
Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces, accused Netanyahu of attempting to influence public opinion through fear and political messaging ahead of the election.
"This is 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 highlights the growing political contest over Israel's security priorities, international relationships and leadership as the country approaches the October 27 election.