Trump's Endorsement of Netanyahu Carries Political Risks, Analysts Say
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
Lebanese observer Toni Khoury suggests that U.S. President Donald Trump's endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could be a political risk for the Israeli leader. Khoury argues that Trump's declining popularity and Netanyahu's domestic legal and international challenges may diminish the impact of the U.S. president's support. The observer cites the example of Hungary, where Trump's backing did not secure victory for Viktor Orban, and a past instance of Trump's request for Netanyahu's pardon being unfulfilled, indicating limits to U.S. influence.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Lebanese observer Toni Khoury warns Trump's endorsement may be a political risk for Netanyahu.
- Khoury suggests Trump's declining popularity could weaken his endorsement's impact.
- Netanyahu faces domestic legal issues and a perceived drop in Israel's international support.
- The example of Hungary's Viktor Orban losing an election despite Trump's support is cited.
- A past U.S. request for Netanyahu's pardon was not granted, showing limits to U.S. influence.
A Lebanese observer believes that U.S. President Donald Trump's public support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israeli elections could become a political liability for Netanyahu. While backing from a powerful ally can offer advantages, it does not guarantee success and can even become a burden if the ally faces declining popularity and domestic challenges, according to Lebanese observer Toni Khoury, writing for the Lebanese news site Al-Nashra.
Khoury suggests Trump's endorsement, intended to showcase his influence and the importance of his relationship with Netanyahu in confronting Iran, was an unprecedented move for a U.S. president. However, Khoury points out that Trump himself is experiencing a dip in popularity, as indicated by recent polls leading up to the U.S. midterm elections on November 3. The observer questions how much benefit Trump can offer Netanyahu if his own support is waning.
Khoury highlights Netanyahu's domestic challenges, including multiple legal proceedings and what the author describes as a decline in Israel's international public support. The observer also draws a parallel with Hungary, where Trump's support for Viktor Orban did not prevent Orban's election loss, suggesting that voter preferences can outweigh foreign endorsements.
Furthermore, Khoury cites Trump's 2025 request to Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog to pardon Netanyahu as an example of the limits of U.S. influence on Israeli internal affairs. While Netanyahu might benefit from Trump's public backing, he risks criticism for over-reliance on foreign approval. Khoury concludes that Trump's support is not a guaranteed path to victory for Netanyahu and that both leaders are attempting to bolster their images through mutual endorsement, with no certainty of electoral gain. The core issue, Khoury argues, is the misconception that Trump's support alone is sufficient for victory, as alliances strengthen positions but do not absolve politicians of accountability to their citizens.
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