Trump Issues 'Complete and Total' Support for Netanyahu
US President Donald Trump announced his endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, providing a significant boost to the veteran leader ahead of Israel's parliamentary election on October 27.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated he gives his "Complete and Total Endorsement of Bibi Netanyahu in his upcoming Race for Re-Election as Prime Minister of Israel." He described Netanyahu as a "Great Warrior Prime Minister" and an "even greater Partner for Peace in combatting the Islamic Republic of Iran," according to reports from HuffPost.
Netanyahu responded to the endorsement on X, stating, "Thank you, President Trump, for the tremendous support and work together. Together we will complete the mission!"
The endorsement marks a shift in tone from earlier in the year. In June, during the conflict with Iran, Trump had called Netanyahu "crazy" and expressed being "a little bit perturbed" by Israel's refusal to withdraw from Gaza territory until Hamas is disarmed.
Threats of US Intervention if Netanyahu Loses
Trump’s endorsement came with a stark warning regarding the geopolitical consequences of the upcoming vote. He stated that if Israel elects a leader other than Netanyahu, America would have to handle threats against Iran itself. However, he added that he is "not inclined to do so," suggesting that his administration's willingness to engage directly in regional conflicts is tied to Netanyahu’s continued leadership.
Trump also claimed credit for his influence in foreign elections, noting that he has previously endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. This assertion positions the endorsement not merely as a bilateral gesture but as part of a broader strategy of supporting allied leaders globally.
A Tight Race Amidst Domestic Criticism
The election marks Israel's first national vote since the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. The political landscape remains volatile, with polls indicating that Netanyahu is in a tight race for re-election. His Likud Party has released a video highlighting his alliance with Trump regarding strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities in 2025, attempting to leverage the US president's support to bolster his campaign.
Opposition politicians have accused Netanyahu of personal responsibility for ignoring warnings prior to the October 7 attack. This criticism forms a central pillar of the opposition's challenge to the incumbent prime minister, who faces scrutiny over both security failures and ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Regional Tensions and Diplomatic Fallout
The endorsement has drawn sharp rebuke from Iranian officials. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on X that Netanyahu was "driving America into another war." He further challenged Trump to try again despite Iran emerging stronger from previous conflicts, signaling a defiant stance against the proposed alliance between Washington and Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, tensions within the occupied territories continue to escalate. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned against a brewing crisis in the occupied West Bank after an American photojournalist for The Washington Post was injured by Israeli settlers. Netanyahu’s office is currently investigating the incident, adding another layer of complexity to the prime minister's domestic and international challenges as the election approaches.