US President Donald Trump has renewed his endorsement of Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s parliamentary election, urging voters to support the incumbent prime minister as he faces a crucial test of his political future. Trump’s public backing comes as opinion polls suggest Netanyahu’s Likud party and its coalition partners could struggle to secure a majority in the Knesset.
In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump praised Netanyahu as an “outstanding Warrior Prime Minister” and highlighted their close relationship and joint military campaign against Iran. He urged Israeli voters to support Netanyahu in the October 27 election, arguing that the United States and Israel must continue efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear threat.
Trump also referred to US military operations against Iran, including Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury, claiming that Tehran’s military capabilities and economy had been severely weakened.
Netanyahu Reportedly Sought Trump’s Support
The latest endorsement follows Trump’s earlier public support for Netanyahu on October 18, when he described the Israeli leader as “strong, brave, and brilliant”. Netanyahu welcomed the backing, saying the two leaders would complete their mission together.
According to a report by Axios, Netanyahu had sought further public support from Trump before the election. However, Neta Molcho, a spokesperson for Netanyahu’s Likud party, denied that the prime minister had requested the endorsement.
The intervention comes amid heightened regional tensions following joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. Trump’s statements have placed the US president more visibly into Israel’s election campaign, although the impact on voters remains uncertain.
Netanyahu’s Rival Says Israelis Will Decide
Former military chief Gadi Eisenkot, Netanyahu’s main rival, has stressed that Israel’s leadership must be decided by its citizens. Responding to Trump’s earlier endorsement, Eisenkot said he admired the US president but maintained that only Israelis could choose their leader.
The October 27 election is Israel’s first national vote since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack and the subsequent wars involving Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, faces scrutiny over security failures surrounding the 2023 attack, alongside broader public dissatisfaction with his government. The election will determine whether he can remain in office or whether opposition parties can assemble an alternative coalition.
With polls indicating a potentially fragmented parliament, coalition negotiations may follow the vote. Trump’s endorsement has added an international dimension to the campaign, but the outcome ultimately rests with Israeli voters.
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