Trump aides ready to engage Israeli opposition bloc

US officials told Axios that advisers to President Donald Trump view a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's rivals as an opportunity for new diplomatic engagement.

One senior aide described the political calculus to the outlet, stating that Netanyahu is the devil Trump knows. This sentiment reflects a growing sentiment among the president's inner circle that the incumbent prime minister's grip on power is weakening.

Tensions have existed within the administration for months regarding how to handle Israel's domestic politics. Many of Trump's closest advisers opposed his earlier decision to endorse Netanyahu, arguing that the US should have remained neutral in the race. Vice President JD Vance echoed this hesitation this week, telling reporters he was neither attacking nor endorsing the prime minister. Vance noted that the president's endorsement is what carries the most weight.

Policy disagreements have further strained relations with Netanyahu's government. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack recently criticized Israeli military operations in Syria. After strikes on a base in the Idlib province, Barrack called the action an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has maintained a closer relationship with the prime minister but expressed frustration over what his team views as a lack of effort to curb settler attacks in the West Bank and to strengthen Lebanon's government.

The internal debate comes as polling data shifts in favor of the opposition. A Maariv survey published ahead of the October 27 election showed the opposition bloc widening its lead to 54 seats. Netanyahu's bloc fell to 48 seats. In a head-to-head matchup for the prime ministerial position, Benny Gantz, known in the report as Eisenkot, led with 49 percent support compared to 41 percent for the incumbent.

The survey also explored public sentiment regarding government formation. Sixty percent of respondents preferred a unity government if no single party secured a majority, while 23 percent favored a new election. Among those supporting a unity cabinet, 33 percent wanted an opposition candidate to lead, whereas 19 percent preferred Netanyahu. Eight percent supported a unity government regardless of the leader.

The election is scheduled for next Tuesday. The White House is preparing its diplomatic teams to engage with the opposition bloc should they form the next government. No formal policy changes have been announced, but staff are drafting frameworks for negotiations.