Benjamin Netanyahu will seek re-election this year, his party announced Wednesday. The election is not yet formally announced but must be held by October.
US President Donald Trump said he was unsure if Netanyahu would run again. Trump told a journalist, “I don’t know, he’s had an amazing career. Does he want to continue?”
The Israeli election will be the first since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which led to Israel’s assault on Gaza.
Netanyahu has faced mass anti-government protests and wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran since returning to power in December 2022.
Polls indicate his coalition would likely not win a majority at the next election. However, a potential opposition coalition could fall short of a parliamentary majority unless it includes Arab parties.
US and Israeli officials say Trump and Netanyahu have a close relationship despite strains, including recent calls for Israel to curb military action in Lebanon while Washington negotiates with Tehran.