Forecast Trend Report by Period
President Donald Trump is escalating his public pressure campaign against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The latest tensions come as Israel continues airstrikes in Lebanon after US-Iran negotiations on ending the war, highlighting a widening rift between the two leaders.
Trump on June 20 shared a Just the News article on Truth Social under the headline, "Netanyahu's shaky reelection chances, Trump holds the cards."
The article quoted Trump as saying in an interview with Israeli media that "we'll have to see who runs" in the Israeli election. He added, "I have a good relationship with Bibi, but he needs to be more rational."
The piece also mentioned former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and lawmaker Gadi Eisenkot as potential challengers to Netanyahu. By bringing up the prime minister's political rivals, Trump effectively delivered a political warning.
Trump's frustration appears to stem from Israel's recent strikes in Lebanon.
Israel has continued attacks targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah even after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war. Trump reportedly voiced strong displeasure in a call with Netanyahu earlier in June.
US media reports said Trump berated Netanyahu during the call, saying, "What the hell are you doing?" and "You don't know how to be grateful." He also said, "If it weren't for me, you would have been in prison."
Kim Jung-woo, Hankyung.com reporter enyou@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.
