US Diplomacy: White House Aides Draft Plan for New Israeli Partner

Senior advisers to President Donald Trump are preparing diplomatic protocols to engage with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political rivals if the current leader loses Israel’s upcoming election. US officials told Axios that the White House views a change in government as an opportunity to reset relations, despite the president’s prior endorsement of Netanyahu.

One adviser described the current dynamic to the outlet, stating, "[Netanyahu] is the devil [Trump] knows." This sentiment reflects a growing internal belief that the president should have remained neutral. Many of his closest aides opposed the formal endorsement, arguing that US intervention in the race created unnecessary friction.

Vice President JD Vance distanced himself from the prime minister this week when asked about the race. "I’m not attacking Bibi Netanyahu. I’m not endorsing Bibi Netanyahu. I think the president’s endorsement is ultimately what matters," Vance told reporters. His comments signaled that the vice presidency is not fully committed to Netanyahu’s continued tenure.

Strains within the administration are also evident on the ground in the Middle East. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack criticized the Netanyahu government’s military operations in Syria. After Israeli strikes hit a base in the northern Idlib province, Barrack called the action an "unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability." His remarks contrasted with the more supportive stance taken by other senior diplomats.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his team maintain a functional relationship with Netanyahu but hold specific policy grievances. According to the report, they believe Israel could do more to strengthen Lebanon’s government. They have also expressed frustration over what they view as the prime minister’s failure to curb settler attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank.

The diplomatic planning coincides with a sharp decline in Netanyahu’s polling position. The latest Maariv poll shows the opposition bloc widening its lead to 54 seats, while Netanyahu’s bloc has dropped to 48. In a direct matchup for the prime ministership, opposition leader Benny Gantz’s party rival, Eisenkot, leads Netanyahu with 49% support against 41% for the incumbent.

The survey also indicates a preference for coalition building if the election results are inconclusive. Sixty percent of respondents said they would prefer a unity government, while 23% favored holding another election. Among those favoring a unity government, 33% wanted a candidate from the opposition bloc to lead it, compared with 19% who preferred Netanyahu. The vote is scheduled for October 27.