Trump Urges Israelis to Re-elect Netanyahu Ahead of Vote

Two days before Israel's parliamentary elections, US President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging Israeli voters to choose the Likud leader. Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Sunday evening, stating, "When you go to vote, please remember that Bibi has been a great War President!" He highlighted their close relationship and joint successes, referencing US military operations "Midnight Hammer" and "Epic Fury." Trump concluded his appeal by stating, "Vote for Bibi Netanyahu as Prime Minister. We must finish the work we started!"

This unusual public backing came after intensified efforts by Netanyahu and his associates to secure further support from Washington. According to the Jerusalem Post, two American sources confirmed that pressure was applied on Trump to speak out in favor of the Israeli premier again. The news outlet's sources described Netanyahu's actions as uncharacteristic, suggesting growing political nervousness and "signs of political desperation."

Axios also reported on these efforts, noting that Trump and Netanyahu had spoken twice in three days. The Israeli prime minister reportedly even suggested specific phrasing for further public endorsements. An Israeli source familiar with the matter indicated that Netanyahu also proposed Trump speak with Israeli journalists to renew his support.

Trump further suggested that continued US-Israel cooperation on confronting Iran might be jeopardized if Israel elected a different leader. "If Israel has the wrong leader, meaning anyone other than Bibi, America will have to do this job itself, and I am not inclined to do that," Trump wrote, implying that Washington might have to handle the Iran issue alone. Trump's intervention breaks the unwritten diplomatic norm against heads of state interfering in other countries' elections.