US President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of a closely contested parliamentary election on October 27, despite recent tensions between the two leaders over the war against Iran.
In a statement posted on Truth Social on Sunday, Trump described Netanyahu as a “great warrior prime minister” and praised his leadership during the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began in February.
The conflict has severely disrupted global energy markets, damaged infrastructure and destabilised economies across the Middle East.
Trump said Netanyahu had demonstrated strength and resilience despite mounting political opposition, including criticism from within Israel.
Addressing Israeli voters directly, the US president declared his “Complete and Total Endorsement” of Netanyahu’s re-election bid.
Netanyahu welcomed the announcement, thanking his “dear friend Donald” in a post on X and pledging to continue their joint efforts.
“Together we will complete the mission!” Netanyahu wrote.
Netanyahu faces uncertain electoral prospects
The endorsement comes as opinion polls suggest Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party and its religious-nationalist allies could lose their parliamentary majority.
However, opposition parties are also struggling to secure sufficient support to form a government, raising the possibility of another political deadlock.
Under Israel’s parliamentary system, voters elect parties to the Knesset, with the prime minister determined through coalition negotiations rather than a direct public vote.
The October 27 election will be Israel’s first since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, which triggered the Gaza war and a broader series of regional conflicts involving Lebanon and Iran.
Netanyahu’s political future has become increasingly uncertain amid criticism of his government’s handling of the wars, domestic security and relations with Washington.
Although Trump and Netanyahu have maintained a longstanding political alliance, their relationship has faced strains over military strategy and diplomatic disagreements concerning Iran, Gaza and Lebanon.
Analysts question impact of Trump’s support
Political analysts say Trump’s endorsement could help Netanyahu consolidate support among undecided or wavering voters but is unlikely to fundamentally change the electoral landscape.
Tamar Hermann, a senior researcher at the Israel Democracy Institute, said the endorsement could strengthen Netanyahu’s position among some supporters without necessarily attracting broader backing.
Aaron David Miller, an analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said the late intervention could provide a modest advantage in an exceptionally close race.
Trump had previously avoided explicitly endorsing Netanyahu, potentially preserving leverage over Israeli policies involving Gaza and Lebanon, Miller said.
The endorsement also comes as the United States approaches its November 3 congressional elections, with the war against Iran facing significant public opposition among American voters.
In Israel, however, support for military action against Iran has remained comparatively strong, including among voters critical of Netanyahu’s government.
Trump has increasingly intervened in foreign electoral contests, publicly backing political candidates in countries including Hungary, Argentina, Colombia, Japan and Honduras.
The Israeli election could ultimately determine whether Netanyahu extends his tenure as the country’s longest-serving prime minister or gives way to a new coalition.
If neither bloc secures a parliamentary majority, Netanyahu could remain in office as caretaker prime minister while political parties negotiate or the country prepares for another election.
