Netanyahu will again put forward his candidacy for prime minister.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will run again in the parliamentary elections to be held this year. Reuters reported this, citing his Likud party.

 

The party statement expressed hope that Netanyahu would participate in the elections and win. Although the election date has not yet been officially announced, according to legislation, the vote must be held by October.

 

Likud's statement was issued after US President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty about whether Netanyahu would run again in the elections. 

 

The upcoming elections will be the first parliamentary elections following the attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023. This attack is regarded as one of the largest security crises in Israel's history and triggered the war in the Gaza Strip.

 

Netanyahu, who returned to power in December 2022, operated during his tenure against the backdrop of mass protests against the government and conflicts related to Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

 

Recent public opinion polls indicate that Netanyahu's ruling coalition may not secure a majority in parliament in the next elections. 

 

According to a poll published on June 9 by the Israel Democracy Institute, 61 percent of respondents believe Netanyahu should not run again in the elections.

 

At the same time, polls show that opposition parties cannot form a majority in parliament without forming an alliance with Arab parties.

 

According to US and Israeli officials, while close relations between Trump and Netanyahu remain, disagreements have also been observed on some issues. For instance, in recent weeks, Trump called on Israel to limit military operations in Lebanon.

 

He has also repeatedly urged the Israeli president to pardon Netanyahu regarding the corruption charges brought against him.