Trump's Endorsement Could Boost Netanyahu's Likud by 2-3 Seats

The Likud party believes that a public letter of support from former U.S. President Donald Trump for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could significantly impact the upcoming Knesset elections, potentially securing the party an additional 2 to 3 seats. Senior Likud officials see Trump's endorsement, released just days before the October 27th elections, as a crucial boost to Netanyahu's campaign efforts in the final stretch.

Party insiders suggest the letter is designed to influence undecided voters within the right-wing bloc, encourage Likud supporters who might be feeling fatigued to vote, and attract voters considering smaller right-wing parties. While acknowledging the letter won't sway staunch opponents of Netanyahu, Likud strategists believe its main impact will be on three key demographics: those wavering between Likud and other right-wing parties, traditional Likud voters contemplating abstaining, and potential supporters of smaller parties like those led by Ofer Vinter or Yaron Zehlikha, as well as the ultra-Orthodox public.

Likud sources revealed that considerable pressure was applied to Trump to release the letter, and his decision to do so nine days before the election is viewed as a sign of complete confidence. Trump's statement praised Netanyahu as a "great fighter" and a "greater partner for peace" in confronting Iran, warning that if Israel had a different leader, America would have to handle the threat alone. Netanyahu responded by thanking Trump for his "tremendous support and joint work."