Israeli Prime Minister's Ties to U.S. President Weaken Ahead of Election

The Israeli prime minister plans to stand for reelection this year, the first national vote since the outbreak of violence in Gaza. The prime minister had planned to center the campaign on close ties with the White House. Recent disagreements about operations against Iran and Hezbollah have altered that approach.

A survey published by Zman Yisrael showed the prime minister's party projected to win 24 seats if elections were held today. Two centrist and center-right parties each polled at 21 seats. An opposition bloc is projected to secure 60 seats in the 120-member parliament, while the prime minister's coalition holds 50, according to the survey.

A separate Channel 12 poll found similar results with the anti-prime minister bloc at 59 seats.

The U.S. president stated during a bilateral meeting that without the United States there would be no Israel. The president added that the prime minister needs to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon. Israeli public opinion toward the U.S. president has shifted.

A poll released by Israel Hayom showed positive assessments falling from 58 percent three weeks ago to 38 percent this week. Opposition leaders have described the prime minister as a weak leader who failed to meet goals on Hezbollah. One opposition figure said the prime minister should admit errors in setting targets for Lebanon operations.