Netanyahu alliances plan names India as US doubts grow

Netanyahu alliances took centre stage on Sunday, as the Israeli prime minister urged closer ties with India to prepare for a cooler US president.

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke while presenting his security doctrine. The Israeli vote is on October 27, nine days away. A few hours later, Donald Trump publicly backed him for another term.

In Netanyahu’s view, Israel should spend the remaining years of Trump’s term firming up its position in Washington. At the same time, it should build other partnerships. That would limit its exposure if American policy shifts.

Netanyahu alliances beyond Washington

Netanyahu asked how Israel would cope if a future US president took a hostile line. In his words, the country must do everything it can in the American arena for the next four years, “through good times and bad.”

He then turned to the wider world. “India is not a small country, and there are many others,” he said. He added that he is working with several states in the region and beyond.

He also saw an opening in Latin America. A possible big political shift in Brazil, he argued, could allow closer cooperation.

“We must expand our pool of alliances,” he said. Israel should also build capabilities that make it valuable to everyone.

Why India mattered in the pitch

Netanyahu has often pointed to Israel’s bond with India and with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He uses it to reject claims that Israel stands isolated. In May, he called the relationship “unique” and described India as a “huge power.”

He said there was “crazy love” for Israel in India. Supporters of the prime minister cite such remarks as proof that his diplomacy works.

His comments also reflect worry over Israel’s standing among American voters. Analysts in Israel tie weaker support among US Democrats to his clashes with former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Netanyahu has told his supporters that those clashes show he will defend Israeli interests. That message has run through his campaigns. Therefore, his call for new Netanyahu alliances fits a familiar theme.

Eisenkot attacks the security doctrine

Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main challenger and a former army chief, dismissed the presentation. He called it a campaign move, not a serious security plan.

In his view, the paper leaned on slogans. He said it left Israel in a strategic vacuum while several war fronts stay open.

Eisenkot also questioned the timing. The release came just before polling day. It also came three years after an event he described as the worst security failure Israel has faced.

He charged that the prime minister uses fear to steer voters. By his account, Netanyahu wants to pull attention away from controversies around the campaign.

The row puts defence policy and foreign friendships at the core of the last stretch of the campaign. Trump’s endorsement arrived the same day, so the rivals now argue over both security and Israel’s place in the world.

For now, Netanyahu alliances are part of his pitch as he seeks a new term as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.