In a series of remarks on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump expressed his belief that his popularity in Israel is so high he could consider running for Prime Minister. During discussions that also touched on the tensions involving Iran, Trump lauded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to him as a “wartime prime minister” and a “very good man.” Trump’s comments were shared widely on social media, where he was seen addressing reporters’ questions about Israel’s strategy concerning Iran.
Trump emphasized his favorable standing in Israel, humorously suggesting a potential political future there by saying, “I’m right now at 99% in Israel. I could run for prime minister.” He further mentioned a poll indicating his high approval rating in the country, adding, “I had a poll this morning. I’m 99%. So that’s good.” His remarks also included a critique of Israel’s internal political dynamics, specifically highlighting that Netanyahu might not be receiving fair treatment from Israel’s president.
The context of Trump’s statements comes amidst significant developments in Israeli politics. Israeli lawmakers have been moving forward with a bill from Netanyahu’s ruling coalition that could lead to the dissolution of parliament and possibly new elections. This political backdrop coincides with Trump’s comments on Iran, where he indicated the United States was nearing a critical juncture. “We’re in the final stages of Iran. We’ll see what happens,” Trump stated, hinting at either a potential deal or actions “a little bit nasty” should negotiations falter.
Trump’s tough stance on Iran was further underscored by his claims about the impact of U.S. policies on Iran’s military capabilities. He asserted that Iran’s air force and navy had been severely weakened, warning of more severe military actions if Tehran does not agree to a deal. Despite the heightened tensions, Trump conveyed a sense of patience, saying, “We’re going to give this one shot. I’m in no hurry.” Meanwhile, diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran reportedly remain active, as efforts to ease the strain continue.