Trump Endorses Netanyahu for Israeli Re-election

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has formally endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election, urging Israelis to keep the longtime leader in power. Trump announced his support on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, describing Netanyahu as a "great warrior prime minister" and a partner for peace.

Netanyahu, who has served a cumulative 18 years as Prime Minister, faces parliamentary elections on October 27th, just nine days before the U.S. midterm elections. Trump highlighted Netanyahu's resilience and strength in the face of significant opposition, both domestically and internationally, referencing joint U.S.-Israeli 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. "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," stating, "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."

In an interview with Axios, Trump indicated he had intended to endorse Netanyahu but waited for an opportune moment. He also expressed a preference for continuing to work with Netanyahu over any other potential Israeli leader.

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

However, Gadi Eisenkot, a key opponent of Netanyahu, acknowledged Trump's work with Israel but emphasized that the election is 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, which is how Israel's prime minister is chosen, rather than by direct popular vote.

Recent tensions between Washington and Jerusalem over the conflict with Iran have reportedly cooled Israeli attitudes toward Trump. The upcoming election results are being closely watched, with Trump's endorsement adding another layer of international attention to the closely contested race.