During a series of remarks on Wednesday, former US President Donald Trump asserted his immense popularity in Israel, suggesting he could potentially run for Prime Minister there. While discussing the escalating tensions with Iran, Trump praised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as a “very good man” and “a great guy.” Trump’s comments were made in response to questions about Netanyahu’s approach toward Iran, and he defended the Israeli leader, labeling him a “wartime prime minister” who was not receiving fair treatment in his own country.
Trump humorously speculated on his electoral prospects in Israel, claiming, “I’m right now at 99% in Israel. I could run for prime minister,” and went on to joke about the possibility of pursuing the role after his current endeavors. He mentioned having seen a poll that morning which supported his claim of overwhelming popularity in Israel. Trump also critiqued the relationship between Netanyahu and Israel’s president, suggesting that Netanyahu was not being treated well.
The timing of Trump’s statements coincided with Israeli lawmakers advancing a bill from Netanyahu’s coalition that could lead to the dissolution of parliament and prompt new elections. Amidst these political developments, Trump also addressed the intensifying situation with Iran, indicating that the United States was nearing a critical juncture. He stated, “We’re in the final stages of Iran. We’ll see what happens,” emphasizing the possibility of a forthcoming deal or resorting to “some things that are a little bit nasty.”
Trump further elaborated on the situation with Iran, noting that the country’s air force and navy had been significantly weakened, and warned that future military actions could become more challenging if Tehran did not agree to a deal. Despite the heightened tensions, he mentioned that diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran were still ongoing. Trump’s remarks underscored a period of significant geopolitical maneuvering, with potential implications for both US-Iran relations and the political landscape in Israel.
