JERUSALEM, Oct 19: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has cautioned that a future US administration could adopt a hostile approach towards Israel, urging his country to strengthen ties with India, Latin American nations and other potential partners to safeguard its strategic interests.
Netanyahu outlined his security vision on Sunday during an event held nine days before Israel’s October 27 election. His remarks came shortly before US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed his re-election bid, highlighting the importance of Washington’s support in Israel’s political and security calculations.
“ In two years, a President, man or woman, could come to power who is very hostile to Israel,” Netanyahu said, questioning how his country should respond to such a scenario and what alternative arrangements might be necessary.
He argued that Israel must make effective use of the remaining period of Trump’s presidency while preparing for possible changes in American foreign policy.
Netanyahu said his government would continue working to strengthen relations with the United States, regardless of future political developments, while simultaneously broadening Israel’s international partnerships.
The Israeli leader identified India as an important potential partner, noting its growing global influence and strategic significance.
“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,” he said.
Netanyahu also pointed to changing political dynamics in Latin America, suggesting that developments in countries such as Brazil could create opportunities for Israel to expand its diplomatic network.
He stressed that Israel needed to broaden its partnerships and develop capabilities that would make it valuable to other countries.
The comments reflect Netanyahu’s emphasis on reducing Israel’s dependence on a limited number of strategic partners as it confronts prolonged regional tensions and diplomatic challenges.
India has featured prominently in Netanyahu’s diplomatic messaging, particularly through his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He has repeatedly highlighted the close ties between the two countries as evidence that Israel retains influential international partners despite criticism over its policies and military operations.
In May, Netanyahu described India as a major global power with which Israel shares a distinctive relationship. His references to popular support for Israel in India have also featured in his efforts to counter claims that the country is becoming increasingly isolated internationally.
However, Netanyahu’s approach to Washington has attracted criticism from analysts who believe his strained relationships with Democratic administrations have contributed to declining bipartisan support for Israel in the United States.
His dealings with former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden were frequently marked by disagreements over issues including Iran, Palestinian statehood and Israeli military policy.
Netanyahu has often portrayed his willingness to challenge American presidents as evidence of his determination to defend Israel’s national interests. According to political analysts, this stance has also formed an important part of his electoral messaging, allowing him to appeal to supporters who favour a more assertive foreign policy.
As Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, Netanyahu has repeatedly presented himself as a leader capable of navigating complex international relationships and confronting security threats.
His latest remarks, however, drew sharp criticism from Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces and a leading challenger in the upcoming election.
Eisenkot dismissed the presentation as a political exercise rather than a substantive national security strategy. He argued that Netanyahu had failed to provide a convincing long-term framework despite the country’s continuing security challenges.
“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,” Eisenkot said.
He also accused the prime minister of attempting to influence voters through fear and political messaging instead of addressing what he described as serious shortcomings in the country’s security leadership.
Eisenkot criticised the timing of the announcement, arguing that Netanyahu had chosen to unveil the document shortly before polling day rather than provide a comprehensive assessment of the country’s security priorities.
The criticism comes as national security remains a central issue in Israel’s election campaign, with voters assessing the government’s handling of regional conflicts, diplomatic relations and domestic security.
Netanyahu’s proposal to expand international alliances is likely to remain part of the broader debate over Israel’s future foreign policy. Stronger cooperation with India and countries in Latin America could offer additional diplomatic and economic opportunities, although the extent of any shift would depend on the priorities of prospective partner governments.
India and Israel have developed cooperation across defence, agriculture, technology, water management and other sectors. Their relationship has expanded significantly in recent years, supported by regular high-level engagement and shared interests in innovation and security.
Nevertheless, New Delhi’s foreign policy also reflects its longstanding relationships with Arab countries and its support for a negotiated resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Any expansion of bilateral cooperation therefore takes place within India’s broader diplomatic framework.
For Netanyahu, the challenge is to translate his proposed security vision into durable partnerships while maintaining strong relations with Washington and responding to criticism from domestic opponents.
His remarks underline the uncertainty surrounding future US-Israel relations and the importance he attaches to diversifying Israel’s international partnerships. The election campaign is likely to determine how voters assess his record and whether his approach to security and diplomacy retains public support.