Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a national security doctrine on Sunday, Oct. 18, and separately urged Israel to widen its partnerships, warning that a future U.S. president could be hostile to the country.
The Jerusalem Post and PTI reported that Netanyahu named India as a potential partner and said Israel should keep working with Washington while building other ties. PTI quoted him as saying, “In two years, a President, man or woman, could come to power who is very hostile to Israel.”
The Prime Minister’s Office described the doctrine as an effort to improve Israel’s ability to act before threats develop and to strengthen defenses at home. It also calls for less dependence on outside munitions, an edge in advanced technology, a stronger regional role for Israel and efforts against antisemitism. The office said the Oct. 7, 2023, attack and the war that followed prompted an update to the country’s traditional security principles. It said the National Security Council and its director, Shmuel Ben Ezra, helped formulate the doctrine.
India and Israel formalized a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation and Prosperity” during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit on Feb. 25-26, 2026. Their joint statement lists defense, technology, cybersecurity and trade among areas of cooperation. It does not announce a new India agreement arising from Netanyahu’s Oct. 18 remarks.
In a May 28, 2026, video posted on X by Clash Report, Netanyahu described public sentiment in India as “absolutely crazy love for Israel.” The video is separate from his Oct. 18 presentation.
U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed Netanyahu’s re-election bid on Oct. 18, the Associated Press reported, without establishing the timing relative to the doctrine presentation. Israel’s Central Elections Committee lists Oct. 27 as the election date for the 26th Knesset.
