Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said he hopes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu loses the upcoming election during a gubernatorial debate with his Republican opponent, Stacy Garrity, on Wednesday.
Shapiro said the Israeli people would decide within a few weeks who should lead the country. “I hope that person is not Benjamin Netanyahu,” he said. Shapiro argued that Netanyahu had led Israel down “a very dangerous and isolating path.”
Shapiro distinguishes Netanyahu from US-Israel ties
Shapiro, a Jewish Democrat seeking a second term, said he wanted relations between the United States and Israel, as well as ties with the Israeli government, to remain strong. However, he said that goal would not be possible as long as the Netanyahu government remained in office.

Election scheduled for October 27
Legislative elections in Israel are scheduled to take place on October 27. Netanyahu has led the current government since late December 2022.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed Shapiro, who is seeking a second term, 25 points ahead of his Republican opponent, Garrity.
Netanyahu faces corruption charges. The International Criminal Court has also issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu over allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.