Netanyahu's former advisor: "If Netanyahu sees that he is losing - he might not run"

Aviv Bushinsky, former media advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressed on Wednesday in an interview with 103FM the summit between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump. Bushinsky also spoke about the relationship between the two and the possible implications of the meeting for the upcoming election campaign in Israel. In addition, he estimated that if Netanyahu realizes he has no chance of winning the elections, he may choose not to run.

At the beginning of the interview, Bushinsky addressed the claims surrounding the relatively modest reception Netanyahu received at the White House. According to him, in Israel, there is a tendency to measure the success of political meetings by ceremonies and gestures, but in this case, this does not indicate the quality of the meeting.

"It has become established among us that the quality of meetings is measured by the reception. This time there were no red carpets and no honor guards, but if both sides say it was a good meeting - it may be that it was indeed good. Especially in light of the tension that existed between them in the recent period," said Bushinsky.

According to him, the very fact that the meeting took place was important for both sides, even if it did not lead to a significant breakthrough. "If the meeting had not taken place, they would have made a big deal out of it."

Bushinsky estimated that for Trump, the meeting was not politically necessary. "I am not sure that the meeting with Netanyahu serves the President. Trump tried to distance the feeling that Netanyahu dictates to him what to do or that he dragged him into an adventure in Iran."

However, the former advisor believes that the Prime Minister actually benefited from the meeting. "It may be that Netanyahu paid in 'currency' to hold the meeting. From his perspective, it serves him politically. This is his home turf, and he always emphasizes his personal connection with US Presidents. This meeting was a good service for his campaign."

Regarding Netanyahu's attitude toward Israeli journalists during the visit, he said he does not see it as an exceptional event. According to him, although Netanyahu defined the meeting as the "best" he has had with Trump, in the past there were no less significant meetings between the two.

When asked if Trump would intervene in favor of Netanyahu in the election campaign, he replied that it is possible. "If Trump really wants to help Netanyahu, we will see another meeting between them. Netanyahu is expected to be in New York in September, and such meetings definitely serve him politically."

Bushinsky also addressed Netanyahu's political situation ahead of the elections. "Netanyahu is not complacent. He understands the situation, and he did not even rule out coming to be interviewed on channels he previously boycotted. I think he believes more in the polls of channels that are not Channel 14."

At the end of the interview, he addressed the changes Netanyahu approved in the Likud constitution and said it was a politically dangerous move. "If he had lost on one of the clauses, they would have said he lost control of the party. But he passed it. Now his challenge is to bring candidates who can attract votes from other blocs." According to Bushinsky, Netanyahu's situation is still complex: "If Netanyahu sees that he is losing the elections, it may be that he will decide not to run. He believes there is a chance for a political tie, and from his perspective, such a tie is almost a victory."

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