Trump Reaffirms Support for Netanyahu Ahead of Israel Election
The US president urged voters to select the incumbent, warning that a different outcome would require American intervention in the Iran conflict.
By Andrew Bennett ·
US President Donald Trump issued a second endorsement for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday evening. The message appeared on Truth Social just days before the Israeli general election.
Trump called on voters to recall Netanyahu’s performance in office. "When you go to the Polls please remember that Bibi has been an outstanding Warrior Prime Minister!" he wrote. He noted that the two leaders have a strong working relationship and have been "winning together." He cited Operation Midnight Hammer and Operation Epic Fury as specific examples of their joint efforts.
The post included a direct instruction for the electorate. "Vote for Bibi Netanyahu for Prime Minister; we have to finish the job that we started!" Trump stated. This appeal followed reports that Netanyahu had intensified his campaign for American support. Two American sources told The Jerusalem Post that Netanyahu and his allies in the US administration were increasing pressure on Trump to issue new statements of backing.
According to Axios, the two leaders spoke twice in the three days prior to the post. Netanyahu reportedly suggested specific wording for these endorsements. An Israeli source told Axios that the prime minister also proposed that Trump speak directly with Israeli journalists to reiterate his support. One American source described the prime minister's behavior as a sign of political desperation, noting that they had never seen him act this way before.
Trump’s message also outlined a potential consequence for electing a rival. "If Israel has the wrong leader, meaning anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this job itself, and I'm not inclined to do that," he wrote. The Jerusalem Post identified the referenced job as the confrontation with Iran. The endorsement combines praise for the incumbent, a voting directive, and a statement on bilateral security responsibilities.
The timing aligns with the reported efforts by Netanyahu’s team to secure public backing from Washington. The prime minister has been actively seeking this type of support as voters prepare to cast their ballots.
