Warning of hostile US prez in future, Bibi seeks India alliance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned that a future US president could be hostile towards Israel, calling for new alliances with countries such as India and nations in Latin America to safeguard his country's strategic interests.Netanyahu unveiled his security doctrine on Sunday, nine days before Israel's October 27 election, arguing that Israel must prepare for a possible shift in Washington's approach. His remarks came hours before US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed his re-election bid."In two years, a President, man or woman, could come to power who is very hostile to Israel," Netanyahu said."How would you deal with that? How would you operate in relation to the United States? And beyond that, what solutions would be necessary?", he questioned.The Israeli premier stressed that his government must make the most of the remaining years of Trump's presidency while preparing for an uncertain political future in the US."First, we must do everything we can during these two years, and during the following two years, in the American arena, through good times and bad," he said.Netanyahu also called for Israel to broaden its network of international partners, pointing to India as a key ally beyond the US.
"The second thing is to create other alliances. That is what I am working on now with many countries in our region and outside it. India is not a small country, and there are many others," the Israeli Prime Minister emphasised.He also pointed to shifting political dynamics in Latin America as an opportunity to expand Israel's diplomatic reach."There is a major shift in Latin America, and there could be an enormous change in Brazil in just a few days," Netanyahu said, adding, "We must expand our pool of alliances and develop capabilities that make us valuable to everyone."Netanyahu has repeatedly cited his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India's ties with Israel to counter perceptions that his country is becoming diplomatically isolated.In May this year, amid a prolonged war and growing international criticism, he described the relationship with India as "unique", calling the country a "huge power" where there is "crazy love" for Israel.
Netanyahu's US dilemma
Netanyahu's warning comes amid concerns in Israel over declining support among Democrats in the US.
Analysts have attributed some of the strain to his strained relations with Democratic presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.Those tensions have also featured in Netanyahu's political messaging. He has presented his willingness to challenge American presidents as a sign of a strong leader prepared to defend Israel's interests, a strategy analysts believe has helped him politically over the years.Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister.
Rival slams security doctrine
Netanyahu's presentation drew sharp criticism from Gadi Eisenkot, his main challenger in the upcoming election. The former Israel Defence Forces chief dismissed the announcement as a political exercise that offered little substance as the country continued to face security challenges."Nine days before the election and three years after the gravest failure and disaster in Israel's history, with every war front still open, Netanyahu decided to present his 'security doctrine' to the public," Eisenkot said."Two hollow pages, full of slogans that have nothing whatsoever to do with a security doctrine, reveal more than anything the strategic vacuum Netanyahu has left the State of Israel in and his disregard for the security of Israeli citizens," he said.Eisenkot accused Netanyahu of using fear and political messaging to influence voters ahead of the election."This is Netanyahu's method: manipulating perceptions, frightening people and trying to divert attention from the parade of lies and racism surrounding his campaign tonight," he said.