Senior figures in parties opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with opposition leaders, have approached individuals linked to US President Donald Trump, urging them to press him not to intervene in Israel’s upcoming elections. They fear he could step in and support Netanyahu against rival candidates.
Outreach was made, among others, to businesswoman Miriam Adelson, a close Trump ally and one of his largest donors, who has held significant influence over him and pressed him on efforts to secure the return of hostages from the Gaza Strip. Additional appeals were made to other senior US figures tied to the administration, asking them to convey the message that "one should not interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign state."
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Anti-Netanyahu bloc
(Photo: Shalev Shalom, Yair Sagi, Yuval Chen, Alex Kolomoisky, Haim Goldberg/Flash90)
Concerns among opposition leaders intensified following what they described as Trump’s blunt intervention in favor of Netanyahu on the issue of a pardon — a purely domestic Israeli matter. Trump addressed the issue both during a Knesset appearance on a past visit and in sharp criticism of President Isaac Herzog, accusing him of delaying the process.
Fears of further involvement are not unfounded, opposition figures say. Senior Likud officials have suggested that another visit by the US president close to the elections could boost Netanyahu's campaign, and that Trump may voice support for him during the race. Netanyahu himself has downplayed concerns over such involvement, saying he did not ask Trump to intervene in the pardon issue, but that "it is on his heart" and stems from his belief that Netanyahu is facing a "political witch hunt." He added that US presidents are entitled to express their views.
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Seeking a pardon for Netanyahu: Trump during Knesset visit
(Photo: JALAA MAREY/Pool via REUTERS, Chip Somodevilla / POOL / AFP)
A senior figure in the opposition bloc involved in relaying messages to Trump told ynet: "The message we are conveying is not to act against Netanyahu, but more broadly that there should be no interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state, certainly not expressing support for one candidate over another. The fact that Netanyahu and the government are not pushing back against Trump’s involvement in the pardon issue is a severe blow to the country’s sovereignty and the institutions of the rule of law."
Trump has been invited to receive the Israel Prize at a ceremony set to take place on Independence Day in about two and a half weeks. It remains unclear whether he will attend, with reports suggesting he may not, particularly given uncertainty over whether the war with Iran will have ended by then. Organizers of the ceremony are nevertheless preparing for his possible arrival, including logistical arrangements and adjustments for a US audience.
Requests for comment from Miriam Adelson’s office went unanswered.