Former CIA Director and U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has predicted that, once in office, Donald Trump will extend a “blank check” to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Middle East, potentially paving the way for a full-scale conflict between Israel and Iran.

Panetta believes that Trump, who defeated Kamala Harris in this week’s presidential election and is scheduled to begin his term in January, will offer unwavering support to Israel’s initiatives.

“With regards to the Middle East, I think he’s basically going to give Netanyahu a blank check,” Panetta shared via the Guardian, UK.

“Whatever you do, whatever you want to do, whoever you want to go after, you have my blessing. I mean, he basically said that (before the election).”

Netanyahu has continued strikes against Iran and its interests as tensions have risen since Hamas’s attack on Israel on the 7th of October 2023.

During the U.S. election campaign, reports indicated that Netanyahu and Trump had been in communication.

On the 6th of November, 2024, after Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris was confirmed, Netanyahu extended his congratulations.