Trump questions if Netanyahu seeks to continue in upcoming Knesset vote

"He has enjoyed a remarkable career," Trump remarked. "Is he interested in carrying on, given his role as a wartime leader?"

US President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up after disembarking Air Force One following his trip to China at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, US, May 15, 2026.

(photo credit: REUTERS/Evan Vucci)

ByMAYA ZANGER-NADIS

JUNE 10, 2026 04:53

US President Donald Trump expressed uncertainty over whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu intends to seek another term in the next Knesset elections, based on a Tuesday account from ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl.

"He has enjoyed a remarkable career," Trump told Karl during a phone discussion. "Is he interested in carrying on, given his role as a wartime leader?"

"We will very shortly win the war one way or the other," Trump went on, "and you know he serves as a wartime prime minister."

"That is fine," he noted, "just like I serve as a wartime president."

Trump advised Netanyahu to avoid escalation with Iran or risk isolation

The US president also spoke recently with Israel's Channel 12 regarding a discussion he held with Netanyahu amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

"I told Bibi to be careful with any actions, because you could find yourself alone against Iran very soon," Trump said.

On Sunday, Trump urged Netanyahu to refrain from striking Iran in response to the recent missile attack on Israel. The exchange concluded without a firm resolution, and Netanyahu did not share his final choice with Trump, according to a Monday Channel 12 report.

Netanyahu must accept Iran deal, Trump states to FT

The US president also informed the Financial Times on Sunday that Netanyahu "will have no option" but to agree to a deal with Iran. "I make the decisions. I make every decision," said Trump. "He does not make the decisions."

'Together, we will bring safety to the North'

Netanyahu issued a pre-recorded press statement on Monday evening, confirming contact with Trump but offering no further specifics.

"I told Trump: 'Together, we will bring safety to the North,'" Netanyahu said.

Netanyahu coalition faults halt of Lebanon strikes following Trump input

The most recent Iranian missile strikes on Israel followed IDF actions in Dahiyeh, a Beirut suburb in Lebanon, on Sunday.

One week prior, the prime minister faced criticism over Israel's choice to cancel an earlier set of strikes on Beirut following Trump's request.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a coalition partner with Netanyahu, strongly opposed the decision, declaring that "This is the time to tell our friend, President Trump - 'no'."

Former IDF chief of staff and Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot described Trump's request as "a humiliating demand, one that is clearly unreasonable."

Opposition leader Yair Lapid charged that Netanyahu was acting as if Israel were a US protectorate.

Keshet Neev and Danya Saperstein contributed to this report.