Trump Denies Netanyahu Asked for Endorsement Before Election
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not ask for his public endorsement before the Knesset elections. Trump claimed he issued two statements of support independently due to Netanyahu's leadership and security efforts. This contradicts accusations by Gadi Eisenkot, who claimed Netanyahu sought Trump's intervention. Netanyahu had also previously stated Trump's first endorsement was a surprise.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Donald Trump stated Benjamin Netanyahu never asked for his public endorsement before the Knesset elections.
- Trump claimed he issued two statements of support for Netanyahu on his own initiative.
- The U.S. President praised Netanyahu's leadership and handling of security challenges.
- Gadi Eisenkot had accused Netanyahu of seeking Trump's intervention in the election campaign.
- Netanyahu had previously told Channel 14 that Trump's first endorsement was a surprise.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu never asked him for public support ahead of the Knesset elections. Trump asserted that he independently decided to endorse the prime minister, issuing two statements in support of Netanyahu. This clarification comes amid accusations that Netanyahu sought American presidential intervention in the Israeli election campaign, as reported by Channel 14.
When asked by journalists on Monday, October 26, if Netanyahu had requested his public backing, Trump categorically denied the allegations. He explained that the issue of pre-election support was not discussed with Netanyahu and that his statements were solely his own initiative. Trump also praised Netanyahu's performance, acknowledging the difficult circumstances under which he led the country and his success in managing serious security challenges.
Trump's clarification followed two public appeals to Israeli voters. The first, issued about a week before the election, offered unequivocal support for Netanyahu, highlighting his leadership, U.S.-Israel cooperation against Iran, and the importance of his continued tenure for U.S. interests. The second statement, released on the morning of October 26, just before polls opened, reiterated shared U.S.-Israel achievements against the Iranian regime and urged voters to consider Netanyahu's role in national security.
The explicit support from Washington became a significant topic during the final days of the campaign, particularly after Trump appeared in political advertisements linked to Netanyahu. Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yahad party and former IDF Chief of Staff, had previously accused Netanyahu of seeking Trump's public approval, expressing shame over such actions and viewing the request for support as a sign of Netanyahu's political weakness. Eisenkot emphasized that the composition of the future government should be determined solely by Israeli citizens.
Trump's latest statement contradicts claims that the initiative for endorsements came from Netanyahu. The U.S. President explicitly stated both appeals were his decision, not a result of a request from Israeli leadership. Netanyahu himself had previously denied orchestrating the American support, telling Channel 14 the first statement was a surprise and that he had no prior knowledge of Trump's intention to issue it. He also denied making any concessions in return for the public endorsement.
