Hamas prefers Netanyahu over other prime minister hopefuls
There's no love lost between Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the movement's leaders apparently think he is the best they can hope for in the upcoming elections.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — As Israel gears up to hold its parliamentary elections April 9, Al-Monitor learned of political debates within Hamas about which Israeli prime minister candidate might be the least problematic for the group.
Hamas seems to prefer that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remain in office, but that possibility became a bit less likely Thursday after Israeli Attorney-General Avichai Mandelblit recommended that Netanyahu be indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. Netanyahu's poll numbers dropped, but he has overcome such doubts before.
Echoing a phrase often used by US President Donald Trump, Netanyahu called the allegations a "witch hunt" and pledged to remain in office.
The Israeli Central Elections Committee closed the applications process Feb. 21, with 47 parties signed up to run for the 21st Knesset, according to The Jerusalem Post.
