Iran Says US Strikes Damage Diplomatic Efforts

Benjamin Netanyahu will pursue re-election as Israel's prime minister this year, his Likud Party announced Wednesday. This declaration comes after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly stated he was unsure if the Israeli leader would run again. The Likud Party issued a brief statement confirming Netanyahu's intention to compete in the upcoming election, expressing confidence in his victory. Although the election has not been formally scheduled, it is mandated to occur by October.

Earlier, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl reported that Trump had conveyed his uncertainty about Netanyahu's candidacy to him. Trump was quoted as saying, "I don't know, he's had an amazing career. Does he want to continue?" This election will be the first held since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which resulted in Israel's assault on the Gaza Strip and is considered the country's most significant security failure. Netanyahu has navigated a turbulent tenure since returning to power in December 2022, leading the most right-wing coalition in Israeli history.

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God willing, he would win

Prior to the wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, Netanyahu faced substantial anti-government protests. Recent polls consistently suggest his coalition might not secure a majority in the next election. A poll released on June 9 by the Israel Democracy Institute indicated that 61% of Israelis believe Netanyahu should not run for re-election. Furthermore, projections show that opposition parties, even if they form a coalition, would likely fall short of a parliamentary majority unless they align with Arab parties, a prospect some opposition leaders have ruled out. Despite occasional strains, such as Trump's recent demands for Israel to curb military actions in Lebanon while the U.S. negotiates with Tehran, U.S. and Israeli officials maintain that Trump and Netanyahu share a close relationship. Trump has also publicly urged Israel's president to pardon Netanyahu on corruption charges, which Netanyahu denies.

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I don't know, he's had an amazing career. Does he want to continue?