Trump Endorses Netanyahu Ahead of Tight Israeli Elections

President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the latter faces a challenging reelection campaign. This endorsement comes after months of withholding any public backing from Trump, despite his continued popularity among Israelis.

Trump lauded Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and commended his efforts in combating the Islamic Republic of Iran, describing him as an “even greater Partner for Peace.” The endorsement arrives just ahead of Israeli national elections on October 27, which follow Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

“Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together,” Netanyahu stated in Hebrew, sharing his gratitude in a post on social media platform X.

Netanyahu’s Likud Party promoted the endorsement with a video montage featuring past interactions between the leaders and clips of Trump praising Netanyahu. The impact of this endorsement on the election’s outcome remains uncertain, as the race is anticipated to be tight.

Trump’s favorability in Israel is notable, although opinions are mixed. Some Israelis are dissatisfied with the unresolved conflict in the Iran war and Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire, which did not meet many objectives agreed upon in their collaborative efforts.

Trump reiterated his stance against Iran, threatening further action unless significant changes occurred in Iran’s behavior. He also suggested that a loss for Netanyahu could alter America’s involvement, stating, “If Israel has the wrong Leader […] America will have to do this work ourselves.” Trump emphasized Netanyahu’s leadership attributes amid internal opposition.

The endorsement reflects Trump’s historical support for Netanyahu, which included sending a letter to Israeli President Isaac Herzog advocating for a pardon on corruption charges. However, Trump’s recent comments have been less supportive, and he has frequently avoided endorsing Netanyahu when questioned.

Trump remains active in endorsing foreign political candidates, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and several leaders across Latin America and Europe, claiming credit for their successful campaigns.

The Trump-Netanyahu alliance has been tested by disagreements throughout the nearly eight-month-long conflict with Iran in 2025. Trump disapproved of Israel attacking a critical Iranian gas field early in the war and expressed frustration about Israel’s engagements with Hezbollah which were perceived as obstacles to peace negotiations with Iran.

Divergence continued beyond Iran, with Netanyahu rejecting Trump’s plan to advance a ceasefire in Gaza in August. Netanyahu pushed back against calls from the U.S. administration for Israel to withdraw from Gaza territory until Hamas disarmed.