During a recent interaction with reporters, US President Donald Trump expressed his belief that his popularity in Israel is so high he could potentially run for Prime Minister. This statement came as he also offered commendations for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst discussions about the ongoing tensions with Iran.
Trump’s remarks were captured in videos shared on X, showcasing his response to questions regarding Netanyahu’s stance on Iran. He described Netanyahu as a “wartime prime minister,” asserting that the Israeli leader was not receiving fair treatment in his own country. “He’s fine. He’ll do whatever I want him to do. He’s a very good man,” Trump said, further praising Netanyahu as a “great guy.”
While addressing his own favorability in Israel, Trump humorously suggested the idea of running for the Israeli premiership. “I’m right now at 99% in Israel. I could run for prime minister,” he stated, referencing a poll he claimed to have seen. Trump also critiqued the Israeli leadership, suggesting Netanyahu was treated poorly by the country’s president.
The context for Trump’s comments includes recent political developments in Israel, where Netanyahu’s ruling coalition has pushed forward a bill that could dissolve parliament, potentially leading to new elections. Additionally, Trump addressed the escalating tensions with Iran, indicating that the United States was nearing a critical point in its dealings with Tehran. “We’re in the final stages of Iran. We’ll see what happens,” he remarked, hinting at possible actions if a deal is not reached.
Later on, Trump reportedly mentioned that Iran’s air force and navy had been significantly weakened, suggesting that further military actions could become more challenging if Iran does not come to an agreement. Despite the rising tensions, diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue to unfold.