Trump backs 'great warrior' Netanyahu for re-election as he warns Israelis against choosing any other leader

President Donald Trump has formally backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his re-election bid.

Trump threw his support behind his longtime ally in a Sunday Truth Social post, backing the Israeli prime minister as he fights to maintain his grip on power.

Israel's parliamentary elections are set to take place in just nine days on October 27th. Netanyahu has served as Prime Minister for a total of 18 cumulative years. 

Trump hailed Netanyahu as a 'great warrior prime minister' and partner for peace, while pointing to Israel's role alongside the United States in strikes against Iran in February.

'Bibi Netanyahu has been Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself,' Trump wrote on Truth Social.

'Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived! I have watched Bibi under the most trying of times. Normal men or women in such situations would have wilted under the pressure — But Bibi did not wilt, he actually got stronger, and maintains that same Strength today.'

Trump addressed his endorsement directly to 'the Great People of Israel,' urging voters to keep Netanyahu in power.

'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.

Whether Trump's backing will translate into additional support for Netanyahu and his right-wing Likud party remains unclear ahead of the election, which takes place the week before America's own midterm elections next month.

In a phone interview with Axios Sunday, Trump revealed: 'I was always going to do that. I just didn't want to do it too soon,' while also noting that even though he could work with another Israeli leader, he doesn't want it to come to that.

Netanyahu responded by thanking Trump for their work together, adding: 'Together we will complete the mission.'

The current prime minister's most serious opponent, Gadi Eisenkot, noted in an interview with Israel's Channel 12 that he appreciated Trump's work with his country, but added that 'the elections are a domestic Israeli issue,' which will be decided by 'the citizens of Israel.'

Israeli attitudes toward Trump have cooled amid tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over the conflict with Iran.

Per Reuters, polling has also indicated that no contender currently has an obvious route to power.

Israeli voters do not directly elect their prime minister. Instead, the country's leader emerges through negotiations to assemble a governing coalition capable of commanding a majority in parliament.