World

Netanyahu Urges Israel to Strengthen Global Ties Ahead of US and Israeli Elections

By Akriti Anand

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel is working to deepen relations with countries such as India while making the most of the remaining time in U.S. President Donald Trump’s term. Ahead of the U.S. mid‑term elections and Israel’s general election on October 27, Netanyahu warned that a future U.S. president could be hostile to Israel and urged the country to prepare for a potential shift in American policy. He told the Jerusalem Post that there is a two‑year window with Trump and that Israeli leaders must decide who will work with the current administration and who will handle the next two years. Netanyahu said Israel must act “when things are good and even if things are bad” during those years and that the country is building alliances beyond the Middle East. He highlighted India as a significant partner and noted opportunities in Latin America, particularly a potential change in Brazil. The remarks were made at an event where Netanyahu presented his security doctrine nine days before the election. Trump had earlier publicly endorsed Netanyahu’s re‑election bid. Netanyahu has long cited the strong relationship with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to counter claims of Israel’s isolation. Analysts note that Netanyahu’s tense relations with Democratic‑led U.S. presidents have been framed by him as evidence of his willingness to stand up for Israel’s interests. Israel’s main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, criticized the security doctrine presentation as a political exercise and accused Netanyahu of manipulating public opinion and spreading fear ahead of the vote.