According to an Israeli Times report dated October 23, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a television interview that Israel should prepare its economy and banking system for possible severe global sanctions.
When asked about his concern over the impact of such sanctions on Israel’s economy, Netanyahu said, “Of course I am worried. The hundreds of billions of dollars in aid that the United States provide to Israel’s defense budget won’t continue forever. We have to get used to that reality. Because the United States has changed, not Israel. This has ended, and it will ultimately end completely, it just depends on when.
According to CCTV International News, when asked about whether he would be concerned about the relations between the United States and Israel after President Trump leaves office, Netanyahu said that there will 'no longer be a president as friendly as Trump in the future,' and that Israel must plan for the future.
Netanyahu once stated that Israel should gradually reduce its dependence on U.S. military assistance.
Previously, when asked whether Israel could pursue its goals against Iran without American support, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s security needs did not depend on American approval. “When necessary, we will act independently. We have already done so in the past, and if needed, we will take action again.”
According to American media Axios, two people familiar with the matter revealed that on October 19, local time, U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Israel.
According to sources, Hagee’s meeting with Netanyahu took place at the Ofda Air Base in southern Israel.
Additionally, Hergeseth also met with American soldiers stationed at that base.
The report indicates that this visit took place without prior announcement, just eight days before the Israeli elections, and happened at a time when the United States and Israel were discussing the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations against Iran.
Five-story Building and the Israeli Embassy have both declined to comment.
On October 18th, U.S. President Donald Trump posted an open letter to the Israeli people on social media, referring to Netanyahu as a “great warrior prime minister” and a peace partner in the fight against Iran.
On August 19th, US Vice President Pence refused to publicly endorse Netanyahu's re-election bid.
"I support the US candidate. I am currently focused on the midterm election, so I will not interfere in the Israeli election," said Wan respectively, adding "I do not oppose supporting him and I also do not endorse supporting him. I will not interfere in the Israeli election."
The US Wall Street Journal pointed out that Vance has a different attitude towards US-Israel relations compared to Trump. He publicly accused some within the Israeli government of trying to manipulate public opinion, saying, "They are trying to change the American public's perception and prolong this war indefinitely. This is not for any specific goal; they just want to keep the war going indefinitely."
