Trump Endorses Netanyahu for First Time in Israeli Election

U.S. President Donald Trump issued his first public endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the current election cycle, posting a message of support on Sunday. Netanyahu quickly thanked Trump for the backing, while Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, stated that "only the citizens of Israel will determine who will be prime minister" and that the U.S. "will know how to work with any government."

Trump praised Netanyahu as a "great fighter" and "even greater partner for peace" in confronting Iran, which he said has chanted "Death to Israel, Death to America!" for 51 years. He asserted that Iran has been systematically destroyed militarily and financially, and that if Israel had the "wrong leader", anyone other than Netanyahu, America would have to finish the job itself. Trump described Netanyahu as having been strong, brave, and brilliant against immense opposition, even from within Israel, and stated that his full and complete support is with Netanyahu in his bid for reelection.

Netanyahu responded on social media, thanking Trump for his "tremendous support and joint work," adding, "Together we will complete the mission!" In a subsequent video statement, he reiterated that Trump's support was "unreserved" and that there is "still a mission to complete."

Attempts by opponents of Netanyahu to dissuade Trump from intervening in Israel's internal affairs, including appeals to businesswoman Miriam Adelson, have failed. The article notes that Trump's endorsements have not guaranteed electoral success, citing examples such as former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro, both of whom lost elections after receiving Trump's support. Trump had previously supported Netanyahu in earlier Israeli elections, which did not result in a clear victory.

In a recent interview with Newsmax, Trump expressed general distrust in politicians but acknowledged good past relations and successes with Netanyahu. He also commented on Iran's nuclear program, stating that if he were not president, Iran would be allowed to continue it. He reiterated that Iran's nuclear program has been "destroyed" and that they could be prevented from ever obtaining nuclear weapons. Regarding potential military action in Iran, he ruled out putting U.S. soldiers on the ground.

Gadi Eisenkot, responding to Trump's statement, expressed great appreciation for the U.S. President's contributions to Israel's security and the hostage deal. However, he emphasized Israel's democratic nature, stating that only its citizens will decide their prime minister. Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff, recalled his excellent cooperation with the U.S. military and expressed confidence that the "Zionist, state-oriented, serving majority" would win the upcoming election and that the U.S. government would work with whomever is elected.