Trump Endorses Netanyahu in Israeli General Election

US President Donald Trump has expressed his open support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ahead of Israel’s upcoming election on October 27, Trump warned that if Netanyahu is not in power, the United States might be left to confront Iran on its own.

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social on Sunday (October 18), Trump praised Netanyahu’s leadership. Describing him as a "great warrior Prime Minister," Trump noted that Netanyahu has been a vital partner to the United States in the fight against Iran and in efforts to establish peace.

Trump wrote, "If the wrong leader is elected in Israel—meaning anyone other than Netanyahu—the United States will have to handle this on its own. And that is something I have no desire to do." Coming just nine days before the October 27 election, these remarks are being viewed as a direct electoral endorsement of Netanyahu.

In his post, Trump remarked that Netanyahu has demonstrated steadfastness even under the most difficult circumstances. The US President noted that Netanyahu has remained firm in his position despite pressure from opponents and various crises.

Trump also commended Netanyahu’s leadership in addressing the challenges Israel has faced since the October 7 attacks. He observed that while an ordinary person might have crumbled under such immense pressure, Netanyahu has only grown stronger.

Towards the end of the post, Trump explicitly backed Netanyahu’s re-election, writing, "Consider this note my full and unconditional endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his race for re-election as Prime Minister of Israel. Bibi Netanyahu will never let you down."

This show of support marks a shift from Trump’s previous stance; in an interview with Newsmax on Thursday, he had declined to endorse any specific candidate in the Israeli election. However, in a post on Sunday, Trump highlighted Netanyahu as an essential partner in the United States' strategy regarding Iran. He suggested that if someone other than Netanyahu were to lead Israel, the U.S. might have to shoulder the responsibility of confronting Iran entirely on its own.

Meanwhile, a report by The Jerusalem Post indicates that some of Trump’s close advisors and allies had expressed concerns regarding the decision to publicly support Netanyahu. The report also notes the involvement of John McLaughlin—a pollster who has worked for both Trump and Netanyahu—in this matter.

In response to Trump’s support, Netanyahu expressed his gratitude. In a post on the social media platform X, he wrote, "Thank you, President Trump, for your tremendous support and for working together. Together, we will accomplish our mission."

The Israeli Prime Minister also shared a translation of Trump’s post, along with an image featuring the flags of the United States and Israel, accompanied by a heart symbol.

Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s Finance Minister and leader of the Religious Zionist Party, welcomed Trump’s remarks. He described Trump as one of Israel’s greatest friends, noting that he has played a significant role in strengthening security cooperation between the two nations.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also welcomed Trump’s support for Netanyahu. In his view, cooperation between the leadership and military forces of both countries is crucial for achieving the remaining objectives in the campaign against Iran.