Trump Endorses Netanyahu for Israeli Prime Minister

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Former President Donald Trump on Sunday endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reelection, offering a significant boost late in the Israeli leader's campaign. Trump, who had previously withheld his endorsement, announced his support via social media.

"President Trump on Sunday endorsed embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu late in his reelection campaign," Trump said in a post on social media. "Netanyahu has been a Great Warrior Prime Minister, and an even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran."

Israelis are scheduled to vote on October 27 in the first national elections since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. The absence of Trump's endorsement had been a setback for Netanyahu, who had often highlighted his close ties with the former U.S. president. In response to the endorsement, Netanyahu stated via X, "Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together. Together we will complete the mission!" His Likud Party shared a video compilation of the two leaders together.

The impact of the endorsement on the anticipated close race remains uncertain. While Trump remains popular in Israel, some Israelis have expressed disappointment with the outcomes of the Iran war and Trump's ceasefire proposal, which did not fully align with Israel's key objectives.

Trump reiterated his threat to "soon finish the job" against Iran "unless they change their ways, rapidly." He added that if Netanyahu loses, "America will have to do this work ourselves, and I am not inclined to do so." Trump described Netanyahu as "Strong, Brave, and Brilliant in the face of tremendous opposition, including that coming from even Israel, itself."

Trump has a history of endorsing Netanyahu in past elections and previously sent a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog asking him to pardon Netanyahu on corruption charges. However, Trump's recent comments about Netanyahu had been more reserved, and he had repeatedly declined to say whether he would back the prime minister when asked in a Time magazine interview.

During his presidency, Trump often sought to influence foreign elections by endorsing candidates. He supported Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Polish President Karol Nawrocki, and several Latin American leaders.

Trump and Netanyahu were once close allies, particularly following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities in 2025. However, disagreements emerged during the eight-month war with Iran. Trump criticized Israel's decision to attack a gas field in Iran early in the conflict and called Netanyahu "crazy" in June. He also expressed concern that Israel's conflict with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon was hindering peace talks with Iran.

Furthermore, Netanyahu reportedly rejected Trump's plan in August aimed at advancing a stalled ceasefire in Gaza. This rejection came as the U.S. administration urged Israel to withdraw from Gaza territory until Hamas was disarmed.

Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.