US President Donald Trump has endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for re-election, praising him as a “great warrior prime minister” and a partner in advancing peace. Trump also credited Netanyahu with joining the United States in launching strikes against Iran in February.
The conflict, now in its seventh month, has disrupted global energy markets and caused widespread damage across the Middle East, affecting critical infrastructure and destabilising regional economies.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Netanyahu as “strong, brave, and brilliant” despite facing considerable opposition, including within Israel.
“Despite all of that, he has endured and, in fact, he has thrived!” Trump wrote, adding that Netanyahu had grown stronger under pressure rather than backing down during difficult circumstances.
Addressing the Israeli public, Trump declared his “complete and total endorsement” of Netanyahu in the upcoming Israeli prime ministerial election.
However, Trump’s endorsement may not necessarily strengthen Netanyahu or his right-wing Likud party ahead of the October 27 national election. Public support for Trump in Israel has reportedly declined amid disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over Iran.
Opinion polls indicate that no candidate has secured a clear path to forming the next government. Israel’s prime minister is selected through coalition-building in parliament rather than a direct popular vote.
The election will be Israel’s first since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Since then, Israel has conducted military operations in Gaza and launched strikes in Lebanon and Iran.
The outcome could prove decisive for Netanyahu’s political future following one of the most consequential periods in Israel’s history. He faces centrist rivals who have pledged to bring about a new political direction.
Netanyahu thanked Trump in a post on X, writing, “Together we will complete the mission!”
Trump has departed from the longstanding US practice of avoiding endorsements in foreign elections, having previously backed political candidates in countries including Hungary, Colombia, Argentina, Japan and Honduras.
