During a conversation with journalists on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump made the bold assertion that his popularity in Israel could allow him to run for its Prime Minister. Trump’s remarks came amid discussions about the ongoing tensions with Iran and included praise for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The comments were captured in videos shared on X, where Trump addressed questions about Netanyahu and Israel’s stance on Iran.
Trump expressed strong approval of Netanyahu, labeling him a “great guy” and a “wartime prime minister.” He also alluded to having significant influence over Netanyahu, suggesting that the Israeli leader would comply with his wishes. Amidst this praise, Trump noted that Netanyahu was not receiving fair treatment in Israel, possibly referencing the internal political challenges Netanyahu faced at the time.
Turning to his own standing in Israel, Trump humorously suggested the idea of running for office there, citing a poll that indicated he had a 99% approval rating. “I could run for prime minister,” Trump quipped, highlighting his perceived popularity. He continued by noting that he had seen a poll that morning reflecting his high approval rate, which he considered favorable.
These statements were made against the backdrop of Israeli political developments, where Netanyahu’s ruling coalition had introduced a bill that could lead to the dissolution of parliament, potentially triggering new elections. Meanwhile, Trump addressed the escalating situation with Iran, indicating that the United States was nearing a critical juncture. He mentioned that the US was in the “final stages” regarding Iran and hinted at potential actions if a deal was not reached, though he claimed to be in “no hurry.”
Later in the day, Trump reportedly asserted that Iran’s air force and navy had been significantly weakened and cautioned that future military actions could become more challenging for Iran if they did not engage in negotiations. Despite the heightened tensions, diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran were reportedly continuing, as both sides navigated the complex geopolitical landscape.