Trump Backs Netanyahu Ahead of Israeli Elections Amidst Tight Polls

U.S. President Donald Trump officially endorsed Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, eight days before Israel's legislative elections on October 27. Trump announced his "total and unconditional" support for Netanyahu via Truth Social, praising him as a "strong, brave, and brilliant" leader and an essential partner for the United States, particularly in confronting Iran.

Despite Trump's backing, the electoral landscape remains uncertain. A compilation of ten polls released on October 18 by The Petek showed Netanyahu's Likud party and Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party tied with 22 seats each. The bloc supporting Netanyahu was projected to win 52 seats, while the opposition bloc was expected to secure 51 seats. Arab parties were predicted to gain 13 seats, meaning neither major bloc would likely achieve the 61 seats needed to form a government alone.

Poll results vary significantly, with some indicating a clear lead for Likud and others placing Eisenkot ahead, making coalition projections highly uncertain. Trump's endorsement could prove significant, as he is popular with a segment of the Israeli electorate. It provides Netanyahu with an additional campaign argument: a privileged relationship with Washington, especially as national security and the fight against Iran are central to the political debate.

Gadi Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff, emphasized that the choice of prime minister rests with Israeli voters. His camp is working to assure the public that a change in leadership would not jeopardize the strategic alliance with the United States. The election outcome on October 27 could lead to difficult coalition negotiations or a political stalemate if no bloc can form a majority.