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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will seek re-election in the country's upcoming national vote, his Likud party announced, after US President Donald Trump publicly questioned whether the 76-year-old leader would stand again. The election has not been formally announced but must be held by October.

In a statement on social media, Likud said: "Prime Minister Netanyahu will participate in the upcoming elections and will win, with God's help," as reported by TASS. Similar announcements were reported by Al Jazeera, France 24, South China Morning Post, and The Hindu.

Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving prime minister, has led the country through three years of war on multiple fronts and is currently on trial for corruption, as noted by France 24 and The Hindu.

Coverage comparison

Trump's role in the announcement drew attention across outlets. Trump told ABC News he was uncertain about Netanyahu's intentions: "I don't know, he's had an amazing career. Does he want to continue? Because, you know he's a wartime prime minister," as quoted by France 24. The Hindu also reported the exchange, quoting ABC's Jonathan Karl. TASS noted the same interview.

The timing of the announcement varied by outlet: Al Jazeera and The Hindu said the party announced on Wednesday, while South China Morning Post reported Netanyahu's own declaration on Monday in a televised press conference. Netanyahu's party statement appeared to preempt or follow his personal remarks, with some reports noting he had previously said he would run.

Key claims

  • Netanyahu will run in the elections, with Likud announcing his candidacy, as reported by multiple sources.
  • The election must be held by October, according to The Hindu and France 24.
  • Netanyahu faces corruption charges, dating back to 2019, as noted by Al Jazeera and The Hindu.
  • Trump questioned Netanyahu's intentions in an ABC interview, as reported by France 24, TASS, and The Hindu.
  • Netanyahu has been admitted to hospital several times since returning to office in December 2022, according to his office, as reported by France 24. He had a pacemaker implanted in July 2023, underwent hernia surgery in March 2024, and had an operation on his enlarged prostate in December 2024. He recently disclosed successful removal of a small, early-stage malignant tumour from his prostate.
Netanyahu stated he intends to form a broader coalition after the election, distancing himself from the far-right and the left. "I intend to establish a broad national government, not a right-wing government, not a left-wing government that depends on Arab parties, but a broad national government," he said in a televised briefing, as reported by The Hindu. He called for an end to boycotts, saying everyone who agrees to basic principles—that Israel is the nation-state of the Jewish people and respect for individual rights—can join.

Netanyahu also hailed the US-brokered agreement with Lebanon as a historic achievement that dealt a blow to Iran and Hezbollah, according to The Hindu. The report also noted that Israeli forces will remain in the security zone established inside Lebanon, with US and Lebanese recognition of Israel's right to maintain that zone as long as necessary for its security.

Public opinion appears critical of Netanyahu. Polls repeatedly indicate his coalition would fail to win a majority, with a June 9 Israel Democracy Institute poll showing 61% of Israelis believe he should not run, as reported by The Hindu. Al Jazeera noted widespread public anger over the lack of an independent inquiry into the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, and is facing mounting pressure over his handling of wars in the region. South China Morning Post reported criticism from opposition leaders who accuse him of failing to achieve war aims.

Perspectives

Netanyahu/Likud: Netanyahu insists he will run and win, framing his campaign around national unity and a broad coalition. He describes the Lebanon deal as historic and a blow to Iran and Hezbollah.

Trump: The US president expressed uncertainty about Netanyahu's intentions, citing his long career and status as a wartime prime minister.

Israeli opposition: Figures like former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have criticised the US-Iran agreement, calling it a "dangerous turn for Israel's security," as reported by South China Morning Post.