Trump Backs Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections Amid Shifting Polls

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly before Israeli parliamentary elections, a move reportedly influenced by data indicating strengthening positions for Netanyahu's Likud party. The endorsement came after Netanyahu gave a rare personal interview, his first in over a year, nine days before the vote, where he outlined his political and military priorities and highlighted his relationship with the U.S.

During the interview, Netanyahu discussed security matters, particularly Iran, stating that Israel does not require American consent for its operations and would act independently if necessary. He emphasized that Israeli goals are not contingent on U.S. approval and that a limited window of opportunity for significant security and foreign policy moves exists within the next two years, while Trump is in office. He also noted Israel's intention to broaden relationships with other countries, anticipating a potentially less favorable U.S. administration later.

Netanyahu also addressed relations with Turkey, acknowledging disagreements with Trump over President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He claimed Israel had already thwarted Ankara's military expansion in Syria and expressed a desire to restore ties with Turkey, though he deemed it unlikely while Erdogan remains in power. Despite these differences, Netanyahu indicated they did not undermine his cooperation with Trump.

According to Maariv correspondent Anna Barsky, Trump's public support and Netanyahu's interview were part of a coordinated political strategy. The timing was intended to amplify the impact of Trump's statement, released on social media platform X, following speculation about cooling U.S.-Israel relations and accusations that Israel was drawing the U.S. into an Iran conflict against its interests. Trump had maintained public distance from Israel due to potential political fallout.

Sources within Likud suggested Trump's support was expected, with the main question being the timing. They believe his prior silence amplified the eventual announcement, turning expected backing into a significant pre-election event. However, Trump's decision was reportedly not predetermined, influenced by the experience of supporting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who later lost an election. The internal data showing Likud's improved standing and potential right-wing advantage reportedly convinced Trump that Netanyahu could win, overcoming his previous caution.