Trump's Endorsement of Netanyahu Not Unprecedented, Analyst Says

The public endorsement of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by U.S. President Donald Trump is not an unusual move for the American president, according to Yaki Dayan, former Israeli Consul in Los Angeles. Dayan explained in an interview with Channel 7 that Trump frequently takes clear stances in foreign elections, citing examples from Argentina to Hungary, and has even taken operational steps like threatening economic aid. He views Trump's support for Netanyahu, particularly regarding the Iranian issue, as a continuation of this pattern rather than a novel intervention.

Dayan also dismissed the notion that Trump's endorsement was solely based on election polls, a theory previously suggested by commentator Amit Segal. He argued that Trump supports candidates he believes are aligned with his interests, regardless of their electoral prospects, pointing to Trump's support for losing candidates in Hungary and Brazil. Dayan suggested Trump sees Netanyahu as a kindred spirit, partly due to shared experiences like perceived legal persecution, and as a crucial partner in addressing the ongoing Iranian challenge.

Regarding the electoral impact of the endorsement, Dayan expressed caution, noting that its effect on voters is subjective and depends on individual political leanings. He observed that supporters of Netanyahu have embraced the statement, while critics might view it as unwelcome foreign interference, recalling similar sentiments when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer commented on Netanyahu's leadership. Dayan also highlighted that Trump's emphasis on the Iranian issue signals a commitment to continued engagement on the matter, potentially leading to further developments after upcoming elections in both Israel and the U.S.

Dayan emphasized that while Trump's support is significant, it is not unprecedented. He noted that past U.S. presidents have also involved themselves in Israeli elections, and Israel has, in turn, intervened in U.S. elections, referencing Netanyahu's actions since the election involving Mitt Romney. The core message of Trump's statement, Dayan believes, extends beyond the Israeli election to his commitment to resolving the Iranian issue, suggesting a potential new phase in addressing it post-election.