US President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s parliamentary election on October 27, as the longtime leader seeks to strengthen his position amid a closely contested race.
Trump praised Netanyahu as a “great warrior prime minister” and a partner in pursuing peace, crediting him with joining the United States in launching strikes on Iran in February.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Netanyahu as “Strong, Brave, and Brilliant” in the face of significant opposition, including within Israel itself. He said the Israeli leader had grown stronger despite facing difficult circumstances.
Addressing the Israeli public, Trump declared his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Netanyahu’s bid for re-election.
However, the endorsement is not certain to boost Netanyahu or his right-wing Likud party. Public support for Trump in Israel has declined amid disagreements between the Israeli and US governments over Iran.
Opinion polls suggest that no candidate has a clear path to power. Israel’s prime minister is determined through coalition-building in parliament rather than a direct popular vote.
The October 27 election will be Israel’s first national vote since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which triggered a major regional conflict as Israel went to war in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran.
The election could determine whether Netanyahu remains in power following one of the most consequential periods in Israel’s history or is defeated by centrist rivals promising a new political direction.
Netanyahu thanked Trump in a post on X, saying, “Together we will complete the mission!”
Trump has departed from the longstanding US tradition of avoiding endorsements in foreign elections, having previously backed candidates in countries including Hungary, Colombia, Argentina, Japan and Honduras.
Source: Reuters
