Trump Throws Weight Behind Netanyahu Ahead of Crucial Israeli Election

US president declares ‘complete and total endorsement’ of Israeli leader, cites Iran war partnership as voters prepare to go to the polls on October 27

United States President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bid for re-election, throwing his support behind the longtime Israeli leader just nine days before the country’s parliamentary election scheduled for October 27, 2026. .

Trump announced his decision on Sunday, October 18, in a message published on his Truth Social platform, describing Netanyahu as a strong leader and an important partner in the US-Israel campaign against Iran.

Addressing the Israeli public, Trump praised Netanyahu’s leadership amid mounting political pressure and regional security challenges. He described the prime minister as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and a partner for peace in confronting Iran, while insisting that Netanyahu had remained resilient despite opposition at home and abroad.

“Please let this Letter serve to represent my Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel,” Trump wrote, making his position on the forthcoming election unmistakable.

The American president also linked his support for Netanyahu to the two countries’ military cooperation against Iran. Trump argued that Israel’s leadership would have consequences for Washington’s own security calculations, warning that the United States could be left to confront Iran without the same level of Israeli cooperation if Netanyahu were replaced.

The endorsement came after weeks of uncertainty over whether Trump would publicly back Netanyahu. Earlier in October, the US president had avoided endorsing the Israeli prime minister when questioned about his leadership. Their relationship has also experienced reported disagreements over military operations and the handling of conflicts in the Middle East, despite their longstanding political and strategic partnership. .

Netanyahu welcomed Trump’s intervention and expressed appreciation for the American president’s support. In a message posted on X, the Israeli leader thanked Trump for his backing and their joint efforts, adding: “Together we will complete the mission!”

However, Trump’s endorsement does not settle the contest facing Netanyahu and his Likud Party. Opinion polls ahead of the election have indicated that the prime minister’s right-wing coalition could struggle to secure the parliamentary majority required to form a government. Israel’s system of government means that the prime minister must command sufficient support in the 120-member Knesset, with 61 seats needed for a majority. .

The election is taking place against the backdrop of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel and the wars and regional confrontations that followed. Netanyahu’s record on national security, the handling of the Gaza war, relations with neighbouring countries, the economy and Israel’s international standing remain important issues in the country’s political debate.

Trump’s endorsement adds a significant international dimension to the final days of the campaign, but its impact on Israeli voters remains uncertain. While the American president has presented Netanyahu as a dependable partner in confronting Iran, the ultimate decision rests with Israeli voters and the political parties that will negotiate to form the next government after the October 27 election.