On Wednesday, former U.S. President Donald Trump made bold claims about his popularity in Israel, suggesting he could potentially run for the position of Prime Minister there. This statement came as he commended Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amidst discussions about the ongoing tensions with Iran. Trump expressed his confidence in Netanyahu, describing him as a “very good man” and a “great guy,” while emphasizing that Netanyahu would align with his directives.
Trump humorously remarked on his approval ratings in Israel, claiming, “I’m right now at 99% in Israel. I could run for prime minister.” He speculated that following his current endeavors, he might consider pursuing office in Israel. He further elaborated on a poll that bolstered his assertion, stating, “I had a poll this morning. I’m 99%. So that’s good.”
During this exchange, Trump also commented on Israel’s political landscape, criticizing the current treatment of Netanyahu by Israeli leadership. He suggested that Netanyahu, whom he referred to as a “wartime prime minister,” was subject to unfair treatment. His remarks coincided with Israeli lawmakers moving forward with a bill introduced by Netanyahu’s ruling coalition, which could lead to the dissolution of parliament and potentially spark new elections.
Tensions with Iran were also a focal point of Trump’s comments. He indicated that the U.S. was nearing a crucial juncture in its dealings with Iran, stating, “We’re in the final stages of Iran. We’ll see what happens.” He hinted at potential aggressive measures if a deal could not be reached, commenting, “Either have a deal, or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty.” Despite the heightened state of affairs, Trump noted there was no urgency on his part to rush the situation.
Later that day, Trump reportedly mentioned the significant impact on Iran’s military capabilities, claiming that Iran’s air force and navy had been severely weakened. He warned that future military actions could prove “even harder” if Tehran failed to agree to a deal. While the situation remains tense, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran are said to be continuing.
