White House Staff Prepare for Policy Shift if Netanyahu Loses
Internal divisions over the Israeli election have led Trump aides to draft plans for working with the opposition bloc.
By Madison Darwish ·
Advisers to President Donald Trump are preparing to engage with Israeli political rivals if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loses the upcoming national vote. US officials told Axios that the administration views a change in leadership in Jerusalem as an opportunity to reset diplomatic channels.
Tensions have emerged within the White House regarding the president's decision to support Netanyahu. Many close aides argued that the United States should remain neutral in the race. One adviser summarized the internal friction by describing the prime minister as "the devil [Trump] knows." Vice President JD Vance avoided a direct endorsement this week, stating, "I'm not attacking Bibi Netanyahu. I'm not endorsing Bibi Netanyahu. I'm not endorsing Bibi Netanyahu. I think the president's endorsement is ultimately what matters."
Disagreements also exist over specific regional policies. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack criticized recent Israeli military actions in Syria. He described strikes in the Idlib province as an "unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability." Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his team maintain a warmer relationship with the prime minister but have expressed frustration over the pace of reforms in Lebanon and settler conduct in the West Bank.
Polling data indicates a weakening position for the incumbent coalition. The latest Maariv survey shows the opposition bloc holding a lead of 54 seats, while Netanyahu's group has 48. The vote is scheduled for October 27.
The same poll found that 60% of Israeli respondents prefer a unity government if no single faction secures a majority. Only 23% favored a second election, and 17% remained undecided. Among those supporting a unified cabinet, 33% wanted a leader from the opposition bloc, compared with 19% who preferred Netanyahu.
In a direct contest for the premiership, Gadi Eisenkot leads the incumbent. The survey found 49% support for Eisenkot against 41% for Netanyahu.
The White House continues to monitor the polling trends as the campaign enters its final days. Staff are finalizing protocols for potential bilateral talks with either side of the political spectrum.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
