In a recent exchange with reporters, former US President Donald Trump asserted his immense popularity in Israel, suggesting he could even run for Prime Minister. While addressing questions regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the region’s handling of Iran-related tensions, Trump expressed strong support for Netanyahu, describing him as a “very good man” and a “wartime prime minister.” Trump commented on what he perceives as unfair treatment of Netanyahu within Israel, stating, “He’s fine. He’ll do whatever I want him to do. He’s a great guy. To me, he’s a great guy.”
Trump humorously claimed that his approval rating in Israel is at 99%, leading him to contemplate a theoretical candidacy for Israeli Prime Minister. “I’m right now at 99% in Israel. I could run for prime minister,” he remarked. He further noted, “I had a poll this morning. I’m 99%. So that’s good,” highlighting his perceived popularity in the country.
The context of Trump’s remarks is the rising tensions between Israel and Iran, with Israel’s legislative body advancing a bill from Netanyahu’s coalition that may lead to the dissolution of parliament and potential elections. Trump criticized the internal political dynamics in Israel, pointing out, “I think they have a president over there that treats him very poorly,” in reference to Netanyahu.
Discussing the Iranian situation, Trump indicated that the US was nearing a critical juncture, saying, “We’re in the final stages of Iran. We’ll see what happens. Either have a deal, or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty.” He emphasized that while he is not in a rush, significant actions could be forthcoming if a deal is not reached. On Wednesday, Trump reportedly claimed that Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its air force and navy, had been significantly weakened, warning that future military endeavors could become more challenging for Tehran if they fail to reach an agreement.
Despite the heightened tensions, diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran reportedly continue, aiming to address the ongoing issues. As the situation unfolds, Trump’s comments have added another layer to the complex interplay between the US, Israel, and Iran.