US President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, offering his support as the veteran leader campaigns for a new mandate in the October 27 parliamentary election. According to Reuters, the endorsement came as Netanyahu struggled to secure an edge in a close-fought race, with the US president praising him as a "great warrior prime minister" and a key partner in the conflict with Iran. The ongoing war, now in its seventh month, has disrupted global energy markets and damaged critical infrastructure across the Middle East, a backdrop that Trump highlighted in his message to Israeli voters.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Netanyahu as "Strong, Brave, and Brilliant" despite opposition from within Israel. He stated that the Israeli leader had thrived under pressure and maintained his strength, adding that the US was demanding a partner who could effectively manage the regional threats. France 24 noted that this endorsement was a coveted boost, as Trump had previously withheld his support for months while the two leaders' strategies regarding the Iran war diverged. The US president also suggested that if Netanyahu lost, America might have to handle the Iranian threat alone, a task he described as less appealing.
Netanyahu quickly acknowledged the gesture, thanking Trump for their collaboration and stating that together they would "complete the mission." His Likud party released a video featuring clips of the two leaders, emphasizing their close relationship and their shared goal of eliminating the Iranian threat. However, the impact of this endorsement on voters remains uncertain. Khaleej Times reported that Israeli public support for Trump has diminished due to disagreements over the war's outcome, and polls indicate that no candidate currently has a clear path to power. The election is significant as it is Israel's first vote since the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023, which triggered a multi-front war involving Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.