US President Donald Trump has issued a formal endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing his leadership and partnership in countering Iran.
Key facts
- •President Trump issued his "complete and total endorsement" of Benjamin Netanyahu via Truth Social on Sunday.
- •Trump warned that the US would have to confront Iran without Israeli support if Netanyahu loses the election.
- •The endorsement follows a Newsmax interview on Thursday where Trump declined to back any specific candidate.
- •Israel is scheduled to hold elections on October 27.
- •Recent polling shows a deadlock between Netanyahu's coalition and the opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot.
US President Donald Trump officially endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, less than two weeks before Israel's October 27 election. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump praised Netanyahu as a "strong, brave, and brilliant" leader and stated that he is the partner the United States requires in Israel. The endorsement marks a shift from Trump's previous refusal to back a candidate during a Newsmax interview just days earlier.
By the numbers
Stance on Iran and Leadership
Trump emphasized the importance of Netanyahu's role in confronting Iran, warning that if a different leader were elected in Israel, the United States would be forced to address the Iranian threat alone. He expressed a reluctance to take on that responsibility without Netanyahu in office. Trump further lauded Netanyahu for his resilience and ability to endure significant political pressure, noting that the prime minister had grown stronger under difficult circumstances.
Context of the Israeli Election
The endorsement arrives as opinion polls suggest a deadlock between Netanyahu’s coalition and an opposition bloc led by Gadi Eisenkot. A recent Maariv poll indicated that both major political blocs hold 51 seats, falling short of the 61 seats required for a parliamentary majority. While the blocs remain tied, head-to-head polling shows Eisenkot leading Netanyahu 48% to 41%.
Timeline
- ThursdayTrump refused to endorse any candidate during a Newsmax interview.
- SundayTrump issued a formal endorsement of Netanyahu on Truth Social.
- October 27Israel is scheduled to hold its parliamentary elections.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Hill, Middle East Eye, Jerusalem Post.
