Israel's Ruling Party: "Netanyahu to Run in Next General Election"... Dismisses 'Wartime Prime Minister' Retirement Speculation

"I will run as a candidate in the next election and win"
Netanyahu officially declares intention to extend his leadership

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is aiming to extend his leadership by running in the upcoming general election. The ruling Likud Party has firmly denied speculation about Netanyahu's possible retirement from politics, which was raised by a key figure in the U.S. political sphere, and has pledged a strong commitment to achieving a decisive election victory.

On June 10 (local time), Israel's ruling Likud Party issued an official statement declaring that Prime Minister Netanyahu will take the lead in the upcoming election and is determined to secure victory.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump. AP Yonhap News

This announcement from the party leadership is seen as a move to quickly address and counter remarks made in an interview by U.S. President Donald Trump, who questioned the political future of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Previously, in a conversation with ABC News, President Trump expressed uncertainty about whether Netanyahu planned to run in the next general election.

At the time, President Trump noted that Netanyahu has built a remarkable career over a long period, but also commented that, given his unique position as a wartime leader directing the current conflict, it was unclear whether he would want to remain in power.

At that time, the U.S. media analyzed President Trump’s remarks as an extension of ongoing tensions between the two leaders regarding the debate over a ceasefire in Lebanon. Due to Israel’s independent military stance, differences have arisen within the U.S.-Israel alliance, leading some to interpret President Trump’s comments as an indirect warning to Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding his actions.

Despite these external disagreements, Netanyahu’s dominance within the Likud Party remains unshaken. Last November, the party held central committee and district elections for the first time in about 14 years, but no internal rivals emerged to challenge Netanyahu’s leadership. As a result, party members effectively reaffirmed his leadership position, leading many to assess that the party is already internally consolidated in preparation for the upcoming presidential race.

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