Trump Endorses Netanyahu for Israeli Re-election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has officially backed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his upcoming re-election campaign, urging Israelis to keep the long-serving leader in power. Trump announced his support via a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday.

Israel's parliamentary elections are scheduled for October 27, with Netanyahu, who has served a cumulative 18 years as Prime Minister, facing a competitive race. Trump described Netanyahu as a "great warrior prime minister" and highlighted their shared efforts, including joint strikes against Iran in February. He praised Netanyahu for his strength and resilience under pressure, noting that the prime minister "did not wilt" but rather grew stronger.

"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 directly to the Israeli people.

Trump indicated to Axios that he had intended to endorse Netanyahu but waited for the opportune moment. He also expressed a desire to avoid working with any other Israeli leader if possible.

Netanyahu responded to Trump's endorsement by thanking him and stating, "Together we will complete the mission."

However, one of Netanyahu's primary opponents, Gadi Eisenkot, acknowledged Trump's past work with Israel but emphasized that the upcoming elections are an "internal Israeli issue" to be decided by Israeli citizens. Polls suggest that no single candidate currently has a clear path to forming a governing coalition, a process that follows Israel's parliamentary elections rather than a direct vote for prime minister.