Trump: I'll likely support Netanyahu in next election, but I need to see who is running

President Donald Trump expressed a conditional willingness to endorse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming elections, stating he would "most likely endorse him" but needs to evaluate the other candidates first. In an interview with KAN News, Trump noted his positive relationship with Netanyahu but advised the prime minister to be "a little bit more rational."

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I'll have to look at who's running, but I like Bibi very much. I would be most likely to endorse him. But I need to see who is running. I have a good relationship with Bibi, but he needs to be more rational. I am willing to meet with him. He's doing a very good job; he's got to be a little bit more rational.

Trump also recently voiced criticisms regarding Netanyahu's approach to conflicts, particularly concerning Lebanon. He suggested a "softer touch" might be more appropriate, questioning the necessity of extensive destruction for every Hezbollah action. This comes as U.S. Vice President JD Vance commented on the Iran deal, stating that sanctions would remain if Iran continues to fund organizations like Hezbollah.

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I say you can do a little softer touch, maybe you don't need to bring down a building every time a Hezbollah member walks into it.

Vance also addressed Israeli concerns about Iran, describing a "weird panic" within the Israeli system. He argued that Israel's mistrust of America's approach to Iran was misplaced, asserting that the U.S. has earned trust in the region. Vance's remarks suggest a divergence in how the U.S. and Israel perceive the immediate threats and diplomatic strategies concerning Iran and its proxies.

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I find this whole freakout in Israel a little bit odd because I think that it comes from a place of mistrust, and I think that America has earned the trust of that region of the world.