Trump Endorses Netanyahu for First Time in Israeli Election

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time in the current election cycle on Sunday. Trump praised Netanyahu as a "great fighter" and "even greater partner for peace" in confronting Iran, which he described as a threat to both Israel and America. He asserted that any leader other than Netanyahu would be a "mistake" and would force the U.S. to handle threats alone.

Trump's statement, posted on social media, highlighted Netanyahu's resilience under immense pressure, even from within Israel, stating that "ordinary men or women would have collapsed under the pressure but Bibi did not collapse, he actually got stronger." He concluded by expressing his "full and complete support" for Netanyahu's re-election bid, assuring voters that "Bibi Netanyahu will never let you down."

Netanyahu responded on X, thanking Trump for his "tremendous support" and "joint work," adding, "Together we will complete the mission!" He later released a video statement emphasizing Trump's "unreserved support" and the "mission yet to be completed."

Efforts by opponents of Netanyahu to dissuade Trump from intervening in Israeli domestic politics, including appeals to businesswoman Miriam Adelson, have apparently 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, who lost their elections despite Trump's support.

In response to Trump's declaration, Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the National Unity party, stated that while he has great appreciation for Trump's contributions to Israel's security and hostage deal, "only the citizens of Israel will determine who will be the prime minister." Eisenkot expressed confidence that the "Zionist, state-oriented, serving majority" would win the upcoming election and that the U.S. government would work with any elected Israeli government.