Netanyahu prepared to gamble on fresh elections to stay in power, but Trump administration fears the fallout

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prepared to call fresh elections rather than relinquish power, according to sources close to the Israeli government. The move would represent a significant escalation in the political crisis gripping Israel, as the coalition government continues to fracture over key policy decisions and budget disputes.The Trump administration in Washington has expressed particular alarm at such a scenario, viewing potential new elections as deeply destabilizing at a critical moment in regional affairs. Officials worry that prolonged political uncertainty in Israel could undermine broader Middle East strategy and complicate efforts to manage tensions in the region.Netanyahu has long used electoral politics as a tool to consolidate power and neutralise rivals within his own party. However, calling elections at this juncture would be exceptionally risky, potentially allowing opposition parties to capitalise on public discontent and challenging his path to forming a viable governing coalition.The political calculations remain fluid, with several coalition partners signalling they may withdraw support in coming weeks. Should that occur, Netanyahu would face the unenviable choice between stepping aside or triggering a fresh election campaign ahead of potential international scrutiny and domestic legal challenges.

Source: Maariv — Original article in Hebrew.