JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced domestic criticism and reported tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over the ongoing conflict with Iran and its allies, as Netanyahu announced his intention to seek re-election.
Netanyahu’s Likud party said on Wednesday that he would run in national elections due by October, according to party statements reported by Reuters and other outlets. The announcement followed comments by Trump questioning whether Netanyahu, 76, wanted to continue in politics after what he described as an “amazing career.”
Political opponents in Israel accused Netanyahu of yielding to U.S. pressure on military decisions, including calls to limit strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran. Reports indicated Trump had sharply criticized Netanyahu in recent phone calls, with one account describing the U.S. president using strong language to urge restraint to protect ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Critics, including opposition leader Yair Lapid, described the situation as turning Israel into a “vassal state,” according to statements reported in multiple Israeli and international media. Some members of Netanyahu’s own coalition also expressed concerns about perceived limits on Israel’s ability to respond to threats.
The tensions stem from differing approaches to the conflict that began earlier this year. Trump has pushed for de-escalation and diplomatic deals, including with Iran, while Netanyahu has emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense against attacks from Iran-backed groups. Recent missile exchanges between Israel and Iran highlighted the strains, officials and analysts said.
Netanyahu addressed the nation on Monday, stating that fire on the Iran front had been halted for now but could resume if Israel faced further attacks. He has maintained that coordination with the United States continues on security matters.
“Israel has a full right to self-defense, and we are exercising it,” Netanyahu said in remarks reported by several outlets, while acknowledging conversations with Trump.
Domestic polls have shown declining support for Netanyahu ahead of the election, with one recent survey indicating that a majority of Israelis believe he should not run again, according to reports. He faces ongoing legal challenges, which he denies, and criticism over the protracted conflicts.
Trump has publicly supported Netanyahu in the past and has called for his pardon on corruption charges, but recent statements reflect differing priorities on ending the fighting. U.S. and Israeli officials have described the overall alliance as remaining close despite the frictions.
As of Wednesday, full details of the latest diplomatic exchanges remained unclear. Election campaigning is expected to intensify in the coming months, with security issues likely to dominate. Netanyahu’s government continues to manage multiple fronts, including Gaza and Lebanon, where ceasefires have been fragile.
Officials in both countries said military coordination persists, even as political pressures mount on both leaders ahead of their respective electoral timelines.
