Mamdani, not Trump, may be Netanyahu’s more useful campaign asset - analysis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign for the upcoming October election presents a stark contrast to his 2019 strategy, moving from showcasing global alliances to highlighting perceived threats from adversaries. In 2019, massive billboards featured Netanyahu alongside world leaders like Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Narendra Modi, projecting an image of Israel being "in another league."

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Netanyahu. Another league.

This year, however, billboards in Tel Aviv display stern images of Iran's supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem. The accompanying caption reads: "They want Netanyahu to lose. Don’t let them win." This shift signifies a campaign built on the fear of Israel's enemies wanting Netanyahu defeated, rather than the prestige of his international relationships.

The change in strategy appears linked to former US President Donald Trump's current stance. Trump recently stated in a FOX News interview that he would "stay out of Israeli elections" but might endorse someone. This lack of a clear endorsement, unlike in 2019, has potentially prompted the Likud party to pivot its messaging. Instead of featuring Trump as a supporter, the campaign now uses Netanyahu's opponents to galvanize support.

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They want Netanyahu to lose. Don’t let them win.

The inclusion of Zohran Mamdani is particularly noteworthy. While not commanding armies like the other figures, Mamdani symbolically represents the spread of anti-Israel politics. The campaign's core message is now that if Israel's enemies desire Netanyahu's defeat, then Israeli voters should ensure his victory.

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I think it’s most appropriate for me to stay out of Israeli elections, but I may endorse somebody.