Netanyahu warns of possible hostile US president as election nears

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a security doctrine focused on strengthening Israel's position during US President Donald Trump's term and expanding strategic partnerships with countries including India and Brazil, warning that a future US administration could take a hostile approach towards Israel.

Netanyahu unveiled the strategy nine days before Israel's 27 October election, saying the country must prepare for potential changes in American foreign policy while using the remainder of Trump's presidency to consolidate its position, says India Today.

He cautioned that a new American president, who could take office in two years, might be hostile towards Israel, and urged the country to prepare for that possibility.

Diversifying strategic partnerships

Netanyahu emphasised the need to strengthen ties with countries beyond the United States, identifying India and nations in Latin America as important partners.

"India is not a small country," Netanyahu said, citing the country as an example of the international relationships Israel should develop.

He also highlighted Brazil and other regional partners, arguing that Israel needed to develop unique capabilities that would make it indispensable to global powers.

Netanyahu has frequently pointed to his relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and what he has described as a "unique relationship" between the two countries as evidence of Israel's international connections despite global criticism.

Changing US political dynamics

Analysts have attributed growing indifference towards Israel among US Democrats partly to Netanyahu's past tensions with Democratic leaders, including former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Netanyahu has historically presented his willingness to confront US leaders as evidence that he stands up for Israeli interests, a position he has used to appeal to voters.

Opposition criticism

Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu's main election rival and a former chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces, criticised the security doctrine, dismissing it as "two hollow pages, full of slogans".

Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of leaving Israel in a strategic vacuum while facing active war fronts across multiple borders. He also said the prime minister was using the presentation to frighten voters and divert attention from leadership failures ahead of the election.