'One was very hostile': Netanyahu says he stood up to Clinton, Obama and Biden; warns of future US rift

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had stood up to three US presidents who were unfriendly towards Israel, naming Bill Clinton, Barack Obama and Joe Biden, and describing one of them as "very hostile." "I have done very difficult things. I stood up to three presidents who were not friendly. One was very hostile. Clinton, Obama and Biden," he said in a recent interview. Netanyahu: I have done very difficult things. I stood up to three presidents who were not friendly. One was very hostile. Clinton, Obama and Biden. https://t.co/SkiU5ZcmKp -- Clash Report (@clashreport) October 22, 2026 Netanyahu made the remarks, just days after warning that a future US president could be hostile towards Israel. He said Israel must strengthen its ties with other countries, including India, to prepare for a possible shift in Washington's policy. Netanyahu said Israel had faced difficult relations with previous US presidents and stressed the need to build alliances beyond the United States. His remarks come as he seeks to outline a security strategy that would protect Israel's interests even if a future administration in Washington takes a less supportive position. "In two years, a President, man or woman, could come to power who is very hostile to Israel," Netanyahu had warned while speaking at a security event. He said Israel should use the remaining two years of US President Donald Trump's current term to strengthen its position in the United States while expanding ties with other countries. Netanyahu looks to India for stronger alliances Netanyahu identified India as a key partner in his proposed strategy to diversify Israel's international relationships. "The second thing is to create other alliances... India is not a small country, and there are many others," Netanyahu said. He described India as a "major global power" and highlighted his relationship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the close ties between the two countries. "In India, there is an absolutely crazy love for Israel -- truly crazy," Netanyahu has said previously. The Israeli prime minister has also pointed to opportunities to strengthen relations with countries in Latin America, including through potential political changes in nations such as Brazil. Netanyahu's security strategy faces criticism Netanyahu's proposed approach has drawn criticism from domestic political opponents, with the debate unfolding ahead of Israel's October 27 election. Gadi Eisenkot, a former chief of staff of the Israel Defence Forces and one of Netanyahu's principal electoral rivals, questioned the substance of the plan. Eisenkot dismissed the proposal as "two hollow pages full of slogans," accusing Netanyahu of relying on rhetoric rather than presenting a detailed security strategy. The United States remains central to Israel's security and diplomatic relationships. Netanyahu's remarks, however, underline his stated intention to broaden Israel's international partnerships amid concerns that a future US administration could take a less supportive approach towards the country.