President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, issuing a full endorsement just nine days before Israel's closely contested parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. Speaking through a lengthy post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described Netanyahu as a “Great Warrior Prime Minister” and a “partner for peace” in the confrontations with Iran, while warning that if Israel were to choose any leader other than Netanyahu, the United States would be compelled to confront Iran alone—a scenario Trump indicated he wishes to avoid.
This endorsement follows months of complex interactions between the two leaders since they launched a joint military operation against Iran’s nuclear capabilities earlier this year. While Trump and Netanyahu initially appeared aligned in their approach to Iran, tensions emerged as the conflict dragged on without toppling the regime. Trump had previously remarked that Netanyahu would have to accept any deal made between Washington and Tehran, asserting his own authority over the situation. The military campaign against Iran sparked a broader regional crisis, including Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and retaliation in the Gulf, which has influenced global energy markets.
Netanyahu, who faces growing isolation internationally and several domestic challenges including a corruption trial, welcomed Trump’s endorsement during a live television interview, emphasizing the importance of their partnership. He questioned who among his rivals, notably former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot, would maintain a working relationship with Trump, highlighting the strategic dimension of the U.S.-Israel alliance. Despite Netanyahu’s efforts, recent polling shows his right-wing Likud coalition running slightly behind Eisenkot’s opposition bloc, with neither likely to secure an outright majority in the 120-seat Knesset, foreshadowing a potentially fragmented parliament.
Trump’s latest public backing marks a departure from his earlier reluctance to commit, having declined to endorse Netanyahu openly in the months prior, including during the U.N. General Assembly. The endorsement comes in the context of Israel’s first election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, the deadliest against Israeli civilians in decades. Trump praised Netanyahu’s resilience amid domestic and international opposition and reiterated his readiness to continue pressure on Iran, warning that the U.S. and Israel would “soon finish the job” unless Tehran changes its course swiftly.
Meanwhile, Israel is facing increasing international scrutiny over rising settler violence in the West Bank. Following attacks on an American photojournalist and European diplomats, including an assault that left the journalist hospitalized with serious injuries, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed concern and urged Israel to take stronger action against such incidents. The European Union also condemned attacks on diplomats, calling on Israel to adhere to international law and halt settlement expansion.
Netanyahu’s response to these events was cautious, suggesting there was insufficient evidence to draw definitive conclusions about the reported violence and characterizing some allegations as potential smear campaigns. Israeli military authorities noted limitations in responding to reported attacks due to the nature of reporting sources. These incidents have occurred amid the olive harvest season in the West Bank, a period historically marked by heightened tensions between settlers and Palestinian residents.
As the election approaches, Netanyahu’s campaign has focused heavily on his close ties with Trump and their shared stance against Iran, while his opponents highlight both the fallout from the ongoing conflicts and domestic issues affecting Israel’s security and stability. The results of the vote will be viewed closely as an indicator of Israel’s future direction on both internal governance and regional policy.