UPDATE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with former U.S. President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this week, marking a pivotal moment in Netanyahu’s 2026 reelection bid. This encounter is not merely a diplomatic reunion; it’s the launchpad for Netanyahu’s campaign as elections in Israel are officially slated for October 2026. However, looming crises could trigger earlier elections, making this meeting urgent.
As Netanyahu grapples with the ultra-Orthodox conscription crisis and a critical March 2026 budget deadline, the stakes are higher than ever. His coalition faces potential collapse, and with recent opinion polls showing his party, Likud, hovering between 49 and 54 seats—well below the 61-seat Knesset majority needed to govern—he must act decisively.
Netanyahu’s government has endured significant turmoil, including the fallout from the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and a subsequent war that has left the nation diplomatically isolated. Despite these challenges, Netanyahu remains focused on his political survival, with his reelection strategy heavily reliant on Trump’s involvement.
Political strategist Nadav Shtrauchler states, “The U.S. president is going to be central – if not the lead – in Netanyahu’s reelection strategy.” Historical ties between Trump and Netanyahu provide a roadmap for this alliance, as past Israeli elections have seen Trump’s support manifest in campaign materials and significant gestures, such as recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.
Trump’s recent advocacy for Netanyahu’s pardon campaign further solidifies this partnership. In a
statement to the Knesset, Trump urged, “Hey, I have an idea, Mr. President – why don’t you give him a pardon?”
This endorsement has not only galvanized Likud but has also led to Netanyahu formally requesting clemency.
The political landscape is ripe for Trump’s influence. A September 2025 Gallup poll indicated that U.S. leadership approval among Israelis stands at 76%, significantly outpacing the Israeli government’s 40% approval rating. As Netanyahu prepares for his campaign, he plans to emphasize diplomatic milestones, including an expansion of the Abraham Accords and normalization efforts with Saudi Arabia, aligning with Trump’s aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize.
In light of ongoing instability in Gaza, where Trump seeks to facilitate progress on a ceasefire, Netanyahu faces pressure from his right-wing coalition against further concessions. Sources indicate that Netanyahu may pursue one final military operation in Gaza to appease his coalition before making any significant moves towards peace talks.
Amid these developments, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly reaffirmed the strong U.S.-Israel relationship, stating, “Israel has had no better friend in its history than President Trump.” However, the reality of the situation remains complicated, with significant obstacles still present in achieving lasting peace.
As the countdown to the elections begins, Netanyahu’s approach appears strategic. Insiders suggest he may link advancements in Gaza with security guarantees against Iran and Lebanon while also leveraging Trump’s support for his political narrative.
As the meeting at Mar-a-Lago approaches, the implications for both leaders are immense. Netanyahu’s alliance with Trump could prove crucial in reshaping his political landscape while diverting attention from past failures, particularly the tragic events of October 7.
With the political clock ticking, all eyes will be on how this meeting unfolds and what it means for the future of Israeli politics and U.S.-Israel relations. The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated as Netanyahu prepares to chart his course amid escalating challenges and a looming election.
