WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nine days before Israel's general election. Analysts say the move suggests Trump prefers Netanyahu over new Israeli leadership as he weighs resuming military strikes on Iran after the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3.
In a letter to the Israeli people posted on Truth Social on the 18th, Trump wrote that Netanyahu "was a great wartime prime minister" and "a great partner in fighting Iran, which for 51 years has chanted 'Death to Israel, Death to America.'"
"He was tough, brave and brilliant, despite tremendous opposition even within Israel," Trump wrote. "That is the kind of partner the United States wants in Israel. I hope this letter conveys my complete support for Prime Minister Netanyahu's re-election in the upcoming Israeli election."
It is the first time Trump has publicly backed Netanyahu ahead of the Oct. 27 vote. The two leaders have clashed over the war with Iran, Lebanon and Gaza, and in June Trump said Netanyahu was "crazy." In an interview with U.S. online outlet Axios, Trump said he had always intended to endorse Netanyahu but did not want to do it too early. "I have a good relationship with Netanyahu. I support him because if he wins re-election, we will continue to cooperate well," he said.
It is Israel's first general election since Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, launched a surprise attack on the country on Oct. 7, 2023. Israel's parliament, the Knesset, has 120 seats, and a coalition holding at least 61 forms the government. Current polls show both the pro-Netanyahu and anti-Netanyahu blocs winning only the low 50s in seats, meaning no party would be able to form a coalition government immediately. Reuters reported that in that case Netanyahu could serve as caretaker prime minister until the next election.
Some analysts link the endorsement to the possibility of renewed strikes on Iran after the Israeli vote and the U.S. midterm elections on Nov. 3. As Trump weighs military action against Iran following the midterms, coordinating with Netanyahu would be easier than working with a new Israeli leadership. On Truth Social, Trump wrote that "unless Iran changes its attitude quickly, we will finish the job," adding that "if Israel had the wrong leader instead of Bibi, the United States would have to do this itself, and I don't want to do that." Bibi is Netanyahu's nickname.
Still, many observers doubt the endorsement will shift the race. The New York Times noted that Trump's backing "will not carry the influence it once did," adding that many Israelis now see him as an unpredictable leader.
Netanyahu wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that he was grateful for Trump's "tremendous support and partnership," adding, "Together we will finish the job."
