Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has highlighted US President Donald Trump’s backing ahead of Israel’s October 27, 2026, election, suggesting that further action against Iran could remain on the agenda if he secures another term. Trump has urged Israeli voters to support Netanyahu, saying the two countries must “finish the job” they started.
Trump renewed his endorsement in a social media post on Sunday, describing Netanyahu as the leader with whom he had worked closely during the conflict with Iran. Netanyahu, in a televised appearance, called their relationship unprecedented and said Israel might not have another American president as friendly towards its leadership.
Netanyahu also said he had instructed Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to bring down the Iranian regime, arguing that doing so was necessary to eliminate what he described as a threat to Israel.
US Signals No Attack Before Midterm Elections
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said Iran was in a “very bad condition” economically and militarily, adding that the US blockade would remain in place. She also said the United States would not attack Iran before the November 3 US midterm elections.
Trump had first endorsed Netanyahu on October 18 and reiterated his support on Sunday. Asked whether Netanyahu had requested the latest endorsement, Trump said he had issued both endorsements himself and praised the Israeli leader’s performance under difficult circumstances.
Netanyahu’s Rival Accuses Him of Fear-Mongering
Centrist opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot described Trump as a friend of Israel but said he would work with whichever leader Israelis elected. He accused Netanyahu of relying on fear, alleging that campaign messaging featuring Iranian threats and AI-generated nuclear imagery was intended to influence voters.
Netanyahu also shared AI-generated material depicting Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei in a hospital bed and a mushroom cloud over Tel Aviv. The imagery formed part of a broader campaign highlighting security concerns and the perceived Iranian threat.
Israel Election Takes Place Amid Security Concerns
The October 27 election is Israel’s first national vote since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which exposed major security failures and triggered conflicts on multiple fronts.
Netanyahu, 77, is seeking another term as his Likud Party faces the possibility of losing seats. Polls suggest his coalition of right-wing, far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties could struggle to retain its parliamentary majority. However, opposition parties also face challenges in assembling an alternative coalition.
The election comes amid divisions over national security, Netanyahu’s leadership and the future of negotiations with the Palestinians. Although major fighting with Iran has reportedly remained suspended for months following ceasefire negotiations, Netanyahu’s remarks and Trump’s call to “finish the job” have renewed attention on the possibility of further confrontation.
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