21.06.2026 09:40
According to Israeli media, the Trump administration has begun informal contacts with potential rivals of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections. It has been suggested that Washington is dissatisfied with the Netanyahu government due to its far-right partners and has assessed that the current government could change in the elections. Disagreements between the US and Israel have recently been reflected in public opinion.
The US administration has reportedly begun establishing unofficial channels of contact with opposition leaders in Israel, who are seen as an alternative to the far-right government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the upcoming elections.
According to a report by Israel's Channel 12, some officials from the Trump administration have started taking soundings to develop relations with opposition figures mentioned as potential candidates for prime minister in Israel. The report stated that among those contacted are former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former Chief of Staff and Yashar Party leader Gadi Eisenkot.
WASHINGTON'S THREE MAIN CONCERNS
The report indicated that there are three main reasons behind the Trump administration's desire to establish contact with the opposition.
It noted that the continued presence of far-right ministers in Netanyahu's coalition has caused unease in Washington, and that the Israeli government, worn down internationally by the attacks on Gaza, is seen as an obstacle to various diplomatic processes.
It was also reported that US officials assess that Netanyahu could face a serious defeat in the elections, which are planned to be held in Israel no later than October 27.
TENSIONS GROWING ON THE US-ISRAEL LINE
Following the agreement reached between the US and Iran, the differences of opinion between Washington and Tel Aviv have begun to be reflected in the public eye.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated after the agreement came into effect, 'No one can tell us what to do,' in remarks directed at the Washington administration.
US President Donald Trump, on the other hand, criticized the Netanyahu government over the attacks on Lebanon, stating that he did not find Israel's stance on this issue correct.
VANCE'S HARSH REACTION TO FAR-RIGHT MINISTERS
US Vice President JD Vance also harshly criticized far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who had reacted to the agreement.
Vance stated, 'Two-thirds of the weapons that protect Israel are produced in the US and with the money of American taxpayers.'