Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a security doctrine on Sunday, Oct 16, 2026, warning that a future U.S. president could turn hostile toward Israel. He described the current administration as a narrow window and urged the state to lock in alliances before the October 27 election, as Donald Trump publicly backed Netanyahu’s re‑run earlier that day.
Netanyahu singled out India as a cornerstone, citing his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the “unique” bond that has seen Israel’s defense equipment sold to New Delhi in 2024. He added that Latin American politics were shifting, pointing to Brazil’s potential pivot toward Israel and calling for an expanded diplomatic footprint across the continent.
The speech drew sharp rebuke from Gadi Eisenkot, the head of the Israel Resilience Party, who dismissed the doctrine as a political stunt. Eisenkot said, “Two pages of slogans reveal a strategic vacuum that endangers Israeli citizens,” and warned that voters would see through fear‑mongering.
Following the address, Netanyahu has scheduled meetings with Modi’s foreign minister and announced a joint defense exercise with Brazil’s army, signaling a concrete step toward diversifying Israel’s security partners. The next week will see the first round of televised debates, while the Israeli public watches to see if the alliance push sways the October 27 vote.