U.S. President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 national elections, offering the embattled leader a significant political boost as he seeks another term in office.
Trump announced his support in a social media post on Sunday, praising Netanyahu’s leadership and describing him as a strong partner in the fight against Iran.
“Has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump said.
The endorsement comes just days before Israelis head to the polls in the country’s first national elections since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Context of the endorsement
Netanyahu, who leads the Likud Party, has previously highlighted his close relationship with Trump as evidence of his ability to advance Israel’s security and diplomatic interests.
He welcomed the endorsement, thanking the American president for his support and cooperation.
“Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together,” Netanyahu said in a statement in Hebrew posted on X. “Together we will complete the mission!”
The Likud Party also shared a 35-second video featuring footage of the two leaders together, alongside clips of Trump praising Netanyahu.
The endorsement follows months in which Trump had avoided publicly backing Netanyahu, repeatedly declining to commit when asked whether he supported the Israeli prime minister’s re-election bid.
In an interview with Time magazine published earlier in October, Trump said he was no longer involved in politics when questioned about endorsing Netanyahu, despite continuing to campaign for and endorse American politicians.
Trump’s latest intervention comes amid questions in Israel about the outcome of the war against Iran and his proposed ceasefire arrangements.
Reactions to Trump's support
Some Israeli commentators and members of the public have expressed disappointment over what they view as the failure to achieve key objectives in the conflict, which Israel and the United States jointly launched in February.
In his endorsement message, Trump threatened further military action against Iran, saying the United States could “soon finish the job” unless Tehran changed its course rapidly.
However, he suggested that Netanyahu’s departure from office could affect Washington’s willingness to continue the campaign.
“If Israel has the wrong Leader, which would be anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so,” Trump said.
He also praised Netanyahu for remaining firm in the face of opposition, including criticism from within Israel.
Trump has supported Netanyahu in previous Israeli elections and has also intervened in legal matters involving the prime minister. In November, he wrote to Israeli President Isaac Herzog requesting a pardon for Netanyahu, who faces corruption charges.
Implications for Israeli elections
The latest endorsement underscores the close political relationship between the two leaders, even as differences over the handling of the conflict with Iran have emerged.
It remains unclear how much influence Trump’s backing will have on Israeli voters as the election approaches. While the American president remains popular among many Israelis, the campaign is unfolding amid continuing debate over national security, the war and Netanyahu’s political future.
