Trump Endorses Netanyahu Ahead of Israel's October 27 Election

U.S. President Donald Trump formally endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nine days before Israel's October 27 parliamentary election. Trump issued the endorsement in a post on Truth Social, reversing his earlier reluctance to comment on Netanyahu's re-election bid.

Trump called Netanyahu a 'Strong, Brave, and Brilliant' leader. He stated, '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 the same post, Trump wrote 'BIBI NETANYAHU WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!' He had refused to endorse Netanyahu earlier this month in a magazine interview, shifting focus to other topics. Trump later told Axios on Sunday that his endorsement was never in doubt. 'I was always going to do that,' Trump said. 'I just didn’t want to do it too soon.'

The Iran War and Alliance Framing

Trump and Netanyahu jointly launched a war against Iran on February 28. The conflict has now lasted seven months. It has disrupted global energy markets, damaged critical infrastructure, and destabilized regional economies.

In his endorsement, Trump defended initiating the war, arguing it was only a matter of time before Iran attacked the U.S. and Israel. He credited Netanyahu as a key partner. Trump argued the war had left Iran 'systematically destroyed, both Militarily and Financially.' He described Netanyahu as a 'Great Warrior Prime Minister' and an 'even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran.' Trump wrote that if Israel elects any leader other than Netanyahu, America would have to finish the job against Iran alone, adding 'I am not inclined to do so.' Netanyahu has praised Trump for not being 'set back by internal criticism' about the war.

Netanyahu's Response and Political Stakes

Netanyahu faces a close race. His Likud Party and its far-right coalition risk losing the October contest to an opposition bloc led by centrist Yashar party head Gadi Eisenkot. The election is Israel’s first since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which plunged the region into turmoil and triggered Israeli military action in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran.

Netanyahu posted a video on social media expressing gratitude. 'I’m so honoured and humbled by your extraordinary endorsement,' he said. He called Trump the greatest friend of Israel ever in the White House. Netanyahu then directed comments to U.S. voters, linking support for Trump to economic and security outcomes. 'If you are worried about today’s gas prices, think of what will happen if Iran gets nuclear weapons, something that Donald Trump and I will never allow,' Netanyahu stated. He claimed gas prices would fall only if the Iranian threat is eliminated under Trump's leadership.

Domestic Repercussions and a Tight Race

The war against Iran has cost Trump domestic support. A recent poll found roughly two-thirds of U.S. voters disapprove of his handling of the conflict. The war has driven up consumer fuel prices and raised concerns about military stockpiles. Trump's Republican Party faces a critical midterm election on November 3.

In Israel, public support for Trump has diminished amid disagreements over Iran. The endorsement is not certain to boost Netanyahu. Polls suggest no candidate has a clear path to power. Israel’s prime minister is chosen through coalition-building in parliament, not by direct popular vote. Trump has broken with longtime U.S. convention by endorsing candidates in foreign elections, including in Hungary, Colombia, and Argentina. Israelis will vote on October 27 in a parliamentary election that will determine Netanyahu's political future amid this coalition-based system.