On June 7, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a warning from U.S. President Donald Trump following airstrikes exchanged with Iran. Trump cautioned Netanyahu to be careful, stating, "Bibi, you better be careful. Otherwise, you will soon be alone." Amid domestic challenges, including opposition movements and ongoing criminal trials, attention is focused on Netanyahu's strategy as he leads the country through conflict.
According to Axios, Trump urged Netanyahu on June 8 to halt the war with Iran, emphasizing that both Israel and Iran are seeking an immediate ceasefire. Trump stated on social media platform Truth Social that if ignorance or foolishness does not interfere, final negotiations for peace could proceed. His comments clearly indicate a desire to end the conflict.
As a result of Trump's intervention, gunfire has ceased once again. International oil prices, which had surged over 5%, ended with a modest increase of 1%. The average retail gasoline price in the U.S., according to the American Automobile Association, stands at $4.164 per gallon. While this is down from a month ago ($4.546), it remains $1 higher than a year ago ($3.126).
In the meantime, analysts suggest that Netanyahu is strategizing for the upcoming Israeli elections, which could occur as early as three months from now. Shalom Yerushalmi, a columnist for the Times of Israel, noted that unnamed sources close to Netanyahu indicated he aimed to topple the Iranian regime before the elections. However, with regional plans now in disarray, he is reconsidering his election strategy.
The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israeli elections were originally scheduled to take place before October 27. However, if the Knesset's dissolution bill is passed, elections could be held between September 8 and October 20. Yerushalmi commented that while Netanyahu likely prefers the latest date of October 20, the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, part of the coalition, is advocating for elections on September 15 to boost voter turnout following the Jewish holiday.
Additionally, Reuters reported a decline in Netanyahu's approval ratings in northern regions. Citing a poll from the Hebrew University’s Agam Institute, the report indicated that Netanyahu's ruling Likud party is losing support among residents near the Lebanese border. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated, "I will not meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu until the war is over," asserting that a military solution cannot guarantee safety in northern Israel, according to CNN.
Amid these developments, former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot is emerging as a centrist dark horse in Israeli politics. The local daily Haaretz noted that Eisenkot, a newcomer in a field of veteran politicians, is perceived as a refreshing option by many.
A Channel 12 poll conducted on June 4 projected that Netanyahu's Likud party would secure 23 seats in the upcoming elections, making it the largest party. However, in Israel's parliamentary system, a majority of 61 seats out of 120 is required to form a government. The coalition is expected to hold 51 seats, while the opposition is projected to have 59. If this scenario unfolds, the casting vote will likely rest with the 10 seats held by Arab parties.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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