‘India A Huge Power, Next US President Could…’: Netanyahu Has A New ‘Security Doctrine’ Ahead Of Oct 27 Election

Last Updated:October 19, 2026, 15:57 IST

In his security doctrine presentation, Netanyahu positioned India as a central pillar of Israel’s long-term diplomatic strategy

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has presented a new “security doctrine” ahead of the upcoming October 27 election, explicitly warning that a future U.S. President could adopt a hostile approach toward Israel.

As a strategic hedge, Netanyahu has urged the country to aggressively expand and strengthen its global alliances, naming India and nations in Latin America as critical partners.

THE WARNING REGARDING THE UNITED STATES

Speaking at a security event, Netanyahu stressed the need to prepare the country for long-term shifts in Washington.

He noted that while Israel must maximize its strategic position over the remaining two years of U.S. President Donald Trump’s current term, it must prepare for what happens next.

Netanyahu warned, “In two years, a President, man or woman, could come to power who is very hostile to Israel.”

Analysts point out that Netanyahu’s past relationships with Democratic administrations, specifically under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, were highly strained. Netanyahu has traditionally framed these clashes as proof of his willingness to stand up to Washington to protect Israeli interests.

INDIA AS A KEY STRATEGIC PILLAR

In his security doctrine presentation, Netanyahu positioned India as a central pillar of Israel’s long-term diplomatic strategy. His comments built on a recurring theme he has championed throughout recent months.

Netanyahu explicitly categorized India as an essential alternative alliance, stating, “The second thing is to create other alliances… India is not a small country, and there are many others.” He argued that deepening ties with New Delhi helps safeguard Israel from potential policy shifts or future hostility in Washington.

Reaffirming views he expressed earlier, Netanyahu praised India as a “major global power” and framed the bilateral relationship as a unique, highly valued partnership that shields Israel against international attempts to isolate or delegitimise it.

Netanyahu frequently points to his strong rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the immense support Israel receives from the Indian public. He has previously noted, “In India, there is an absolutely crazy love for Israel—truly crazy,” joking that he likely has more social media followers from India than from anywhere else.

Beyond India, Netanyahu pointed toward emerging political shifts in Latin America—specifically mentioning potential leadership changes in Brazil—as opportunities to expand Israel’s diplomatic network.

POLITICAL BACKLASH AT HOME

The rollout of this doctrine has been met with fierce domestic opposition just days before Israel heads to the polls.

Netanyahu’s chief electoral rival, Gadi Eisenkot (former Chief of Staff of the Israel Defence Forces), sharply criticized the presentation. Eisenkot dismissed the plan as “two hollow pages full of slogans,” calling it election-time rhetoric meant to manipulate public perception and fear rather than a substantive national security strategy.

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What new security doctrine did Benjamin Netanyahu present ahead of the October 27 election?

Ahead of the October 27 election, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a new security doctrine urging Israel to aggressively expand its global alliances and prepare for a future U.S. President who might adopt a hostile stance. He emphasized leveraging India and Latin American nations as critical strategic alternatives.

Why is Netanyahu positioning India as a central pillar of Israel’s long-term diplomatic strategy?

Netanyahu has positioned India as a central pillar to shield Israel from potential shifts in Washington policy and international isolation. He has praised India as a major global power and highlighted strong public support and bilateral cooperation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

How did domestic opponents react to Benjamin Netanyahu’s new security doctrine rollout?

The rollout of the new security doctrine faced fierce domestic criticism just days before the election. Netanyahu’s primary electoral rival, former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, dismissed the strategy as hollow election-time rhetoric designed to manipulate public fear.

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Manjiri Joshi

At the news desk for 20 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing speci…Read More

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