Netanyahu says Israel cannot blindly trust US, calls ties with India vital ahead of election

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a major statement just ahead of the general election. Speaking at an event, he expressed doubt about the political stability of the United States. He said a president hostile to Israel could be elected in the US in future. He therefore sent a clear message that Israel should not depend on a single superpower and should make new friends across the world.

In this context, Netanyahu named India in particular. He said friendship with India is extremely decisive for Israel's future.

Israel votes on October 27, so only a few days remain before polling. The statement stirred reactions in international circles and in the politics of both countries. Notably, former US President Donald Trump had openly backed Netanyahu's re-election, and Netanyahu made the remark only a few hours later. There is now discussion around the world over whether the statement reflects only global strategy or is an election tactic to woo Israeli voters.

In his speech, Netanyahu spoke of the ups and downs of international relations. He said Israel has historic and close ties with the US, yet a difficult phase may come in these relations. According to him, within the next two to four years a leader who does not agree with Israel's policies, or who directly opposes them, could come to power in the US. In such a situation, he said, protecting Israel's national interest must come first.

Experts say Netanyahu's warning rests on shifting equations in US domestic politics. A section of the Democratic Party in the US has consistently criticised Israel's hardline military policies and its stand on the Palestine issue. During the terms of former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, relations between the Netanyahu administration and the US were strained several times. Against this background, Netanyahu argues that Israel should recognise future political risks and prepare in advance.

Among the countries Netanyahu named first for reducing dependence on the US, India topped the list. India is the world's largest democracy and also a fast-growing economic and military power. Along with the personal friendship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Netanyahu, cooperation between the two countries in defence, technology and agriculture has reached an unprecedented level in recent years.

Netanyahu said Israel should strengthen its ties further with countries in Asia and Latin America. He also referred to coming political changes in Brazil and said Israel needs to establish itself on the world stage as a reliable and useful partner. He expressed confidence that a partnership with a friendly country like India could give Israel a strong balance and a security cover globally.

Analysts of Israeli politics believe the statement may be part of Netanyahu's election strategy. He may want to show voters that he does not bow to US pressure alone and can deal with the world's other major powers on his own for Israel's security.

It will be important to watch what long-term effect this stand has on relations between the US and Israel. One thing is certain: the statement has once again shown India's growing political weight on the international stage.