Netanyahu to seek re-election, party says, after Trump comments

Benjamin Netanyahu will seek re-election this year, his party announced, after U.S. President Donald Trump questioned whether the Israeli prime minister would run again. The election must be held by October.

Netanyahu's Likud Party confirmed his intention to run, stating he would win if God wills it. This comes after Trump told ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl that he was unsure if Netanyahu would stand again, noting his "amazing career" and questioning if he "wants to continue."

The upcoming election will be the first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which led to Israel's military operations in Gaza. Netanyahu, who returned to power in December 2022, leads a right-wing coalition and has faced significant domestic protests and political challenges.

Recent polls suggest Netanyahu's coalition may not secure a parliamentary majority, with a significant portion of the Israeli public believing he should not run. Opposition parties also face challenges in forming a majority coalition without the support of Arab parties, which some have ruled out.

Despite recent strains, including Trump's demand for Israel to curb military actions in Lebanon, U.S. and Israeli officials describe a close relationship between Trump and Netanyahu. Trump has also publicly called for Netanyahu to be pardoned for outstanding corruption charges, which Netanyahu denies.