US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October 27 parliamentary election, renewing their political alliance as the Israeli leader faces a closely contested battle to retain power.
Trump announced his endorsement on Sunday, October 18, praising Netanyahu’s leadership and his cooperation with Washington during the ongoing conflict involving Iran and other parts of the Middle East.
In a statement published on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Netanyahu as a strong leader who had remained resilient despite mounting political pressure.
“Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself,” Trump wrote.
He subsequently declared his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Netanyahu’s bid for re-election, describing the Israeli leader as an important partner in confronting Iran.
The endorsement comes nine days before Israeli voters head to the polls in the country’s first national election since the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Despite Trump’s public support, Netanyahu faces considerable challenges in his attempt to secure another term as prime minister.
Opinion polls have indicated that his Likud party and its right-wing allies could struggle to retain the parliamentary majority needed to form a government. Opposition parties, however, may also find it difficult to assemble a coalition capable of replacing the current administration.
Israel operates a parliamentary system in which the prime minister must secure sufficient support in the Knesset, rather than win a direct presidential-style election.
The outcome will therefore depend not only on individual parties’ performances but also on their ability to negotiate alliances after the vote.
According to Reuters, analysts believe Trump’s endorsement could help Netanyahu regain support among some wavering voters, although its wider influence on the election remains uncertain.
Tamar Hermann, a senior research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute, and other analysts have highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the endorsement’s potential impact.
The political significance of Trump’s intervention is heightened by his popularity among some Israeli voters and the importance Netanyahu has attached to his relationship with Washington.
NETANYAHU WELCOMES TRUMP’S SUPPORT
Netanyahu responded to the endorsement by thanking the US president for his backing and their cooperation.
“Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together,” Netanyahu wrote in a statement posted on X.
“Together we will complete the mission!” he added.
The exchange reinforces the relationship between the two leaders, although their partnership has experienced disagreements over the conduct of the regional conflict and diplomatic efforts.
Trump has previously criticised Netanyahu over aspects of Israel’s military operations and disagreements concerning Iran, Lebanon and negotiations over Gaza.
The endorsement therefore represents a renewed public show of support at a politically sensitive moment for the Israeli prime minister.
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The war involving Iran has become a significant factor in the political relationship between Washington and Jerusalem.
Trump praised Netanyahu for his role in the joint US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, while suggesting that Israel’s leadership would influence Washington’s future approach to the conflict.
In his endorsement, Trump warned that the United States might have to confront the remaining challenges posed by Iran without the same level of cooperation from Israel if Netanyahu lost the election.
His remarks underline the extent to which the two leaders have linked their political partnership to their shared position on Iran.
However, the conflict has also generated criticism, with some Israelis expressing disappointment over its outcome and the continuing security and economic consequences.
