54-Seat Lead: Trump Aides Map New Path if Netanyahu Falls
Internal documents show administration officials preparing to work with Israel's opposition bloc, which now holds a six-seat advantage in the latest polls.
By Ana Castro ·
The White House is preparing a new diplomatic strategy for Israel.
US officials told Axios that advisers to President Donald Trump are optimistic about potential cooperation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's political rivals if he loses the upcoming election.
The opposition bloc currently leads by six seats in the latest Maariv poll released ahead of the October 27 vote. The survey shows the opposition holding 54 seats while Netanyahu’s bloc has dropped to 48.
One Trump adviser described the current prime minister to the outlet as "the devil [Trump] knows." This comment reflects a growing sentiment among the president's closest aides who opposed his decision to endorse Netanyahu. Many of these advisers believe the US should stay out of the Israeli election entirely.
Vice President JD Vance declined to back the prime minister when reporters asked about the race this week. "I'm not attacking Bibi Netanyahu. I'm not endorsing Bibi Netanyahu," Vance said. "I think the president's endorsement is ultimately what matters."
Strains within the administration over Israeli policy are also evident in other departments. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack raised concerns about the Netanyahu government's approach to Syria. After Israeli strikes on a base in the northern Idlib province, Barrack denounced the attack as an "unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability."
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his team maintain a closer relationship with the prime minister but have expressed frustration with specific policy choices. They believe Israel could do more to strengthen Lebanon's government and have criticized what they view as Netanyahu's failure to curb settler attacks in the West Bank. The Maariv poll also found that 60% of respondents would prefer a unity government if the election fails to produce a clear majority. In a head-to-head matchup for prime minister, Benny Gantz led Netanyahu with 49% support against 41% for the incumbent.
