Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is looking to strengthen Israel’s partnerships with India and Latin American countries amid concerns that a future US administration could adopt a more hostile approach towards Jerusalem.
While US President Donald Trump is expected to remain in office until 2029, Netanyahu has reportedly warned that a successor could reduce military assistance to Israel or support international sanctions and arms embargoes. He outlined the need to diversify Israel’s strategic partnerships while maintaining close ties with Washington.
According to Israeli media outlets The Jerusalem Post and Ynet News, Netanyahu made the remarks on October 18 while presenting his security doctrine, ahead of Israel’s October 27 election.
India and Latin America in Focus
Netanyahu reportedly said Israel should use the remaining years of Trump’s presidency to advance its strategic objectives and prepare for possible changes in US policy.
He warned that a future American president could be “very hostile to Israel” and stressed the importance of strengthening relationships with countries beyond the United States.
Netanyahu said Israel must continue working with Washington while building new alliances with nations in its region and elsewhere, specifically mentioning India and several Latin American countries.
His comments come amid growing international criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and tensions involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran. Some members of the US Democratic Party have called for investigations into alleged Israeli violations, including the use of American-supplied weapons in Gaza and violence by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
A Broader Alliance Strategy
Netanyahu’s latest remarks build on his proposal earlier this year to establish a wider network of strategic partnerships, described as a “hexagon” of alliances.
The proposed framework includes India, Greece, Cyprus, Arab countries, African nations and other Asian partners. The initiative aims to strengthen Israel’s strategic position through cooperation with countries across several regions.
Netanyahu has repeatedly highlighted the importance of India in this strategy. In previous remarks, he said Israel was investing heavily in its relationship with New Delhi and emphasised the need to develop new international partnerships.
Latin America has also emerged as an area of interest for Israel, particularly amid potential political changes in countries such as Brazil.
Preparing for Possible Changes in Washington
According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu believes Israel has a limited window to advance its security priorities while the Trump administration remains in power.
His concerns reportedly extend beyond the possibility of reduced US military assistance to the prospect of Washington supporting international sanctions or an arms embargo against Israel under a future administration.
Netanyahu also criticised European governments that publicly condemn Israel while continuing to seek cooperation with the country, arguing that future partnerships would depend on how other nations treat Israel.
Despite these concerns, the United States remains Israel’s principal strategic ally. Netanyahu’s approach appears focused on preserving that relationship while reducing the risks associated with a possible shift in American foreign policy.
Iran Remains Central to Israel’s Security Doctrine
Netanyahu’s security presentation also focused on Iran. He reiterated his government’s determination to weaken Iran’s ruling regime and claimed that Israel had achieved approximately 90 per cent of its objectives against Tehran.
He warned that Iran could attempt to rebuild its nuclear programme, weapons capabilities and network of regional allies. Netanyahu also said Israel was prepared to act independently against Iran if necessary.
To strengthen the country’s military preparedness, he proposed an additional defence allocation of approximately 450 billion shekels over the next decade. He also called for expanding the Israel Defence Forces and using artificial intelligence to reduce certain manpower requirements.
Domestic Political Challenges
Netanyahu’s security doctrine has also become an issue in Israel’s domestic political debate.
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and one of Netanyahu’s principal challengers, criticised the presentation, arguing that it did not adequately address the country’s security challenges following the October 7, 2023, attacks and the ensuing conflicts.
With Israel facing continuing security pressures and an important election approaching, Netanyahu’s efforts to strengthen international partnerships form part of a broader strategy to safeguard the country’s long-term interests.
Ultimately, Israel’s relationship with the United States remains central to its security. However, Netanyahu’s outreach to India and Latin America signals an effort to broaden Israel’s diplomatic and strategic options in anticipation of possible changes in Washington.
Whether these partnerships can provide a meaningful counterweight to any future deterioration in US-Israel relations remains to be seen.