Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming Israeli parliamentary election, marking a significant shift from his previous criticism of the Israeli leader. In a letter released Monday, Trump commended Netanyahu as “strong, brave and brilliant” and offered his “complete and total endorsement” for Netanyahu’s bid for re-election as prime minister.

Trump emphasized the strategic importance of Netanyahu’s leadership, particularly regarding U.S. efforts to counter Iran. He suggested that if anyone other than Netanyahu were in charge, the United States would have to undertake military actions against Iran, which he indicated he is reluctant to do. This endorsement comes ahead of the election scheduled for next week, in which Netanyahu faces competition from former Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot.

The upcoming vote holds considerable weight as it follows the October 7, 2023, attack perpetrated by Hamas that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis. The consequences of that event, along with ongoing attempts by the U.S. to navigate a protracted conflict with Iran, contribute to the tense atmosphere in which voters will make their decision.

While Trump’s support undeniably highlights the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance, polling indicates the election remains tightly contested. Neither Netanyahu’s camp nor the opposition bloc, sometimes described as the “anti-Netanyahu” faction, appears to be assured of the 61-seat majority required to form a government in the 120-seat Knesset. This suggests a period of coalition negotiations will likely follow the election.

Historical context illustrates the complexities of American involvement in Israeli elections. Trump is not the first U.S. leader to attempt to influence outcomes abroad; previous efforts include George H.W. Bush’s unsuccessful involvement in 1992, and Bill Clinton’s interventions in the 1996 and 2001 Israeli elections, both of which did not yield the intended results. More recently, Trump sought to sway the Hungarian election in April in favor of Viktor Orban but was unsuccessful.

Netanyahu, who has served as prime minister for a total of 18 years over three separate terms, remains a figure of significant controversy within Israel, particularly in light of the recent security crisis. Whether Israeli voters choose to renew his mandate will have a profound impact on the country’s direction amid regional instability. The outcome will also influence the fragile prospects for peace and security in the Middle East, as well as the future dynamics of the U.S.-Israel relationship.